If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately wondering who is Sage Steele engaged to, you’re actually a little behind on the news cycle. She isn't engaged anymore. She’s married.
After years of flying solo following her high-profile divorce, the former ESPN anchor officially tied the knot with Dave Barbuto in September 2025. It wasn't some secret elopement, but it definitely felt more intimate and personal than the typical Hollywood wedding.
People have been curious because Sage has spent the last few years reinventing herself. Leaving a massive corporate gig at ESPN and launching The Sage Steele Show changed her public persona, but it was the arrival of Dave that seemed to shift things behind the scenes.
The Engagement That Caught Everyone Off Guard
The rumors started swirling in early 2025. Sage, who is usually pretty guarded about her private life since her 2019 divorce from Jonathan Bailey, started dropping hints that someone special was in the picture.
In May 2025, during an episode of the Actual Friends podcast featuring Dave Rubin and Russell Brand, the news finally broke: Sage Steele was engaged. The reveal was classic Sage—no over-the-top "influencer" photoshoot with a giant rock, just a conversation between friends. She shared how Dave Barbuto, a man who largely stays out of the celebrity spotlight, popped the question. It was a "second chance at love" story that resonated with a lot of her longtime fans.
Who Is Dave Barbuto?
So, who is the guy?
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Dave Barbuto isn't a sports star or a media mogul. He’s a guy who seems to value his privacy as much as Sage does her outspokenness.
On September 10, 2025, just two days before their wedding, Sage did something pretty cool. She flipped the script on her own podcast. She had Dave sit in the host chair and interview her. It was Episode 72 of The Sage Steele Show, and it gave us the best look yet at their dynamic.
They talked about:
- How they met and what anchored their relationship.
- Blending their families (Sage has three kids from her previous marriage).
- The "excitement, nerves, and gratitude" of starting over in their 50s.
It was raw. It was emotional. It honestly felt a bit like eavesdropping on a private dinner. Dave comes across as grounded and supportive, which is probably exactly what Sage needed after the chaotic few years she’s had legally and professionally.
The September 2025 Wedding
The couple didn't wait long after the engagement. They planned the whole thing in about four months.
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They got married in September 2025.
One of the most interesting details to emerge from their post-wedding interviews (like their appearance on The Wedding Reporter Podcast) was the location. They celebrated at the Tempo Hotel, keeping things elegant but manageable.
The guest list was a mix of family and close friends, a far cry from the massive media-circus weddings you see with other TV personalities. For Sage, this chapter seems to be about peace. She’s spoken openly about how her faith played a massive role in navigating her exit from ESPN and finding Dave.
Why Everyone Thought She Was Dating Someone Else
If you were confused, you aren't alone. For a while, the internet was convinced Sage was dating her former colleague Cory Alexander.
They were spotted together at various events, and the chemistry on-screen was undeniable. But as is often the case with "work spouses" in the TV world, it was just a solid friendship. Sage and Cory have remained close, but there was never a romantic engagement there.
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Then there’s her ex-husband, Jonathan Bailey. They were married for two decades before splitting in 2019. Because they share three children, they are still linked in the public eye. In fact, some outdated blogs still list him as her current husband, which is factually wrong.
A New Life in Florida
Sage has been very vocal about "rebuilding" her life. Since leaving Connecticut and her old life behind, she moved to Florida. This move wasn't just about the weather or the politics—it was about a fresh start.
Working with Bill Maher’s Club Random Studios and launching her own show gave her the freedom to live her life on her own terms. It’s in this environment that she met and grew her relationship with Dave.
What We Can Learn From Sage’s "Second Act"
Sage’s journey to marriage with Dave Barbuto is a pretty solid reminder that life doesn't end after a divorce or a career crisis.
- Don't Rush the Reveal: Sage kept Dave under wraps until they were serious.
- Values Over Fame: Choosing someone like Barbuto, who isn't a public figure, seems to have given her a level of stability she craved.
- Blending Families Takes Work: She hasn't sugarcoated the reality of bringing two sets of kids and lives together.
What’s Next for the Couple?
As of early 2026, Sage is fully leaning into her role as a wife and a media entrepreneur. You’ll likely see Dave pop up on her social media occasionally, but don't expect them to become a reality TV couple. They seem perfectly happy keeping the big moments for themselves while sharing the "lessons learned" with her audience.
If you’re looking to follow her journey more closely, her Patreon and her weekly podcast are where she drops the most personal updates. She’s been sharing behind-the-scenes footage from the wedding and tips on maintaining a healthy relationship after 50.
Next Steps for You:
- Watch Episode 72 of The Sage Steele Show: If you want to see the chemistry between Sage and Dave firsthand, this is the best source.
- Verify Social Media: If you see "engagement" news now, check the dates. Most of those stories are from the spring of 2025. She is officially off the market.
- Follow the Podcast: Sage often discusses her personal growth and "second chances" in her weekly episodes, which provide more nuance than a standard headline.