Stephen A. Smith Secures $100M ESPN Deal, Expands His Reach Beyond Sports
Stephen A. Smith, a powerhouse voice in sports media, isn’t going anywhere—at least not from ESPN’s airwaves.
The dynamic analyst, who skyrocketed from a newspaper beat reporter to the face of modern sports debate television, has inked a massive new five-year, $100 million contract with ESPN, a source confirmed to Family Us.
As one of the network’s most recognizable and influential personalities, Smith commands a platform that extends far beyond just sports talk. While he remains the fiery centerpiece of First Take, The Athletic reports that he will step back from ESPN’s NBA pregame show next season and reduce other network commitments. CNBC has yet to confirm any changes in his role.
This shift could free up Smith to take on more opportunities outside of ESPN, allowing him to further explore political discussions and media appearances beyond sports. In recent years, he has ventured into political commentary on his own show and even made waves on Fox News. Some have even floated his name as a potential 2028 presidential candidate.
“I’m saying, wait a minute now, I don’t want to do this,” Smith joked with Jimmy Fallon. “But the fact that they’re talking about me this way, I must say, I approve this message.”
With his influence growing beyond the sports world, Stephen A. Smith’s next chapter promises to be just as compelling—whether he’s debating sports or weighing in on national affairs.
