Is Melanie Collins married? A look at the sports journalist's dating history

The TV host is unmarried and reportedly single. Melanie Collins has been linked to a few notable figures, including former NHL stars James Neal and Scottie Upshall. With a career spanning more than a decade, she has worked for top sports networks, including CBS Sports, ESPN, and Yahoo! Sports, covering high-profile sporting events.

Key takeaways

• Melanie Collins has built a successful career covering major sporting events for networks such as CBS Sports, ESPN, NBC Sports, and Yahoo! Sports.
• She has never publicly announced an engagement or marriage.
• Her longest known relationship was with former NHL forward James Neal.
• Collins graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism before establishing herself as a leading sports broadcaster.

Profile summary

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Is Melanie Collins married?

As of 2026, Melanie Collins is not married. However, as discussed below, she has been rumoured to be in around four known relationships.

1. James Neal (2014–reportedly separated)

The renowned sports journalist was previously in a long-term relationship with former NHL forward James Neal. The pair reportedly met in 2014 and frequently shared glimpses of their relationship, including vacations and public appearances together. However, they have since reportedly separated, and Collins is believed to be single as of June 2026.

During a 2017 appearance on the Alyonka Larionov podcast, Collins revealed that her relationship with Neal once affected her professional career. She explained that the NHL Network declined to hire her for a hosting role because executives viewed her relationship with a player as a conflict of interest. Recalling the experience, she said:

An opportunity came up with the NHL Network, where they were looking for a full-time host. I was told you’re our top candidate. It’s yours to lose. We’re stunned by your audition. We’re so excited about you. Here I am thinking I’m getting this job

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I get a call about a week later, and my agent says, ‘Hey, you know, unfortunately, NHL Network feels that your relationship is an issue, and they can’t offer you a job.' That’s where my relationship with an athlete in this field has gotten me.

Melanie's ex-partner, James Neal, is a seasoned professional ice hockey player. As a Canadian winger, he currently plays for the Springfield Thunderbirds. However, he has also had an impressive NHL career, playing for the St. Louis Blues and previously for the Calgary Flames. Neal is known for his on-ice skills, making him a celebrated figure in hockey.

2. Scottie Upshall (2009–2013)

Before her relationship with James Neal, Melanie allegedly dated Scottie Upshall, another professional hockey player, from 2009 to 2013. Their relationship was highly publicised, and they were frequently seen together at events and on social media.

After four years, they went their separate ways. As of 2026, Scottie is married to Christina Hale. The couple has three children, a son and two daughters.

During the 2024 Mother's Day celebration, Scottie posted a picture of his family on Instagram, celebrating his wife and captioned it:

Happy Mother’s Day to the most beautiful soul out there! The kids and I are lucky to have you in our lives. Would’ve been nice to post this yesterday, but I was completely buzzin making this day special for u!! lol. Love you girl!

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3. Alex Rodriguez

Melanie's most well-known rumoured relationship was with sports commentator and former professional baseball player Alex Rodriguez. In July 2021, the pair were said to have hooked up after Rodriguez's split from his then-fiancée, Jennifer Lopez.

The rumoured relationship with the professional baseball player didn't seem to have any lasting impact. Melanie quickly returned to posting about James Neal, showing that her relationship with him remained strong. Meanwhile, Rodriguez has moved on and continues to maintain a public profile after their breakup.

FAQs

1. What is Melanie Collins' age? She is 40 years old as of 2026, having been born on 6 February 1986.
2. What is Melanie Collins' height? The journalist is approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall.
3. Who are Melanie Collins' children? The TV host does not have children.
4. How much money does Melanie Collins make? Melanie Collins' salary at CBS is not publicly disclosed.
5. How long have Melanie Collins and James Neal been together? The sports journalist and James Neal reportedly began dating in 2014 and were together for several years before eventually separating, though the exact length of their relationship has not been publicly confirmed.
6. Who is Melanie Collins' husband? The American television host is not married.
7. Where did Melanie Collins go to college? Melanie Collins attended Pennsylvania State University, earning a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

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Melanie Collins is not married as of 2026, and she is reportedly single. She was previously in a long-term relationship with former NHL player James Neal, whom she reportedly began dating in 2014, but the couple has since separated. Over the years, she has also been linked to several notable figures, including former NHL player Scottie Upshall.

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Source: Legit.ng