Stephen A. Smith Agrees to New $100M ESPN Contract, Source Says
A Fixture on ESPN’s Airwaves
Stephen A. Smith, a former newspaper beat reporter who rose to fame by pioneering the art of the sports debate show, has agreed to a new five-year, $100 million contract with ESPN, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to CNBC.
A New Deal, New Opportunities
The contract, which was first reported by The Athletic, will keep Smith as one of the network’s most well-known and most-used on-air talents. He will continue to appear on “First Take,” the morning debate show, but will no longer be a figurehead of the NBA pregame show next season, and will be allowed to scale back other ESPN appearances.
A Broader Scope
This could mean more opportunities for Smith to appear on shows not on ESPN and to discuss topics away from sports even more frequently. In recent years, Smith has regularly expanded his scope to politics on his own show, and even appeared on Fox News. He has been floated as a possible presidential candidate in 2028. “I’m saying, wait a minute now, I don’t want to do this,” Smith told host Jimmy Fallon on NBC’s “The Tonight Show” on Wednesday. “But the fact that they’re talking about me this way, I must say, I approve this message.”
No Comment from ESPN
ESPN declined to comment on the contract deal.
Conclusion
Stephen A. Smith’s new contract with ESPN solidifies his position as a leading voice in the sports world. With a fresh deal worth $100 million, Smith will continue to bring his unique perspective to the airwaves, and may even expand his reach to new topics and platforms.
FAQs
* Who is Stephen A. Smith? Stephen A. Smith is a sports journalist and television personality who has worked for ESPN since 2005.
* What is the terms of his new contract? Smith has agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract with ESPN.
* What are the conditions of his new contract? Smith will continue to appear on “First Take” and will be allowed to scale back other ESPN appearances. He will no longer be a figurehead of the NBA pregame show next season.
* What are his plans for the future? Smith has not ruled out the possibility of running for president in 2028, and has been exploring new opportunities beyond sports.
