Sports Journalist Melanie Collins May Still Be Dating Longtime Boyfriend James Neal

November 26, 2026

This article was last updated by Pranaya Poudel on November 27, 2026

Even after a decade of dating, the couple seems to be in no rush to marry.

Melanie Collins, the American sports journalist and television host famous for her segments on top sports networks like CBS Sports, ESPN, and Yahoo! Sports, covering high-profile games from the Super Bowl to the NBA Finals, has had an illustrious decade-long career.

She has not only captivated her fans’ attention with her informative journalism but also their hearts with her charming personality.

As the 38-year-old continues to report on the latest NFL games, many fans are curious to know more about her, particularly her personal life, relationship status, and dating history.

As of November 2026, Melanie most probably is still dating retired Canadian professional ice hockey player James Neal.

He last played for the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL during the 2026-2026 season and had a notable career in the NHL, playing for several teams, including the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and St. Louis Blues.

Melanie and James Neal started dating in 2014 but have kept their relationship away from the spotlight.

While they have been spotted at many events, the couple’s only formal post together comes from May 2017, which Melanie captioned, “Proudest. 🦁.”

Before dating James Neal, Collins dated Canadian ice hockey player Scottie Upshall from 2009 to 2013.

Their relationship was well-publicized, with both appearing together at various events.

As of 2026, Scottie is with a woman named Christina Lynn Hale and lives a blissful familial life with his partner and two kids, Isabelle and Bekcham.

Melanie Collins dated Canadian former professional ice hockey player Scottie Upshall from 2009 to 2013 (Source: )

In July 2026, rumors surfaced linking Collins to former MLB star Alex Rodriguez.

The two were spotted vacationing together in St. Tropez and Ibiza, sparking speculation about a romantic involvement.

They were spotted enjoying various activities together, including yacht trips and strolls along the beach, but both have maintained that their relationship is .

Alex was married to Cynthia Scurtis from 2002 to 2008.

The couple had two children, Natasha and Ella, with whom Alex has maintained a good relationship to this day.

20-year-old Natasha Alexander Rodriguez is pursuing a music degree from the University of Michigan.

Ella Alexander Rodriguez, who is now 16, also shares a passion for music.

The two daughters are often featured on Alex’s Instagram and are occasionally seen attending MLB events alongside their father.

After his divorce in 2008, Alex has had quite the dating life.

He has been romantically linked to multiple high-profile women, including Madonna, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, Torrie Wilson, Anne Wojcicki, Jennifer Lopez, Kathryne Padgett, and his current girlfriend Jaclyn Cordeiro.

Alex Rodriguez and Melanie Collins were spotted vacationing at St. Tropez and Ibiza in July 2026 (Source: )

While Melanie Collin’s relationship status remains unclear, this does not diminish her excellent reporting of the nation’s highest-profile games.

Born on February 6, 1986, in State College, Pennsylvania, Melanie grew up alongside her two brothers, Christian and Kurtis.

She attended the State College Area High School and went on to study at Pennsylvania State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism.

Additionally, she pursued a degree in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Art and Design.

Melanie began her journalism career while still in college. She worked as a bartender and was offered a job at AccuWeather.

She also interned at WPSU-TV, a PBS affiliate, which eventually led to a permanent position.

Throughout her career, Melanie has covered high-profile events such as the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and FIFA World Cup.

Melanie Collins is currently working as an NFL sideline reporter for CBS Sports. She also hosts the Golf Channel’s show “Driver vs. Driver” and works as an ESPN sideline reporter.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Melanie is a big dog lover and has two pet pit bulldogs named Nixon and Snoop.
• In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, which helps her stay fit and relaxed.
• She covered the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, while working for Yahoo! Sports.

• Check other Articles on

Saurav Risal is a content writer with a niche in the entertainment industry. With a background in computer science, Saurav best writes articles relating to movies, TV series, and the celebrities behind them.

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