Stephen A. Smith has secured a five-year, $100 million contract with ESPN, allowing him to continue his prominent role in sports media while potentially expanding his presence beyond the network.
Stephen A. Smith has agreed to a new five-year, $100 million contract with ESPN, according to The Athletic.
That's more money per year than some NBA stars: D'Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Lu Dort, Austin Reaves, Malik Monk, Coby White, or Chris Paul. For instance, LA star Reaves currently earns $12,976,362.
As one of the most influential voices in sports media, Smith has built a reputation for his outspoken takes, particularly on the NBA.
He will continue as the face of First Take, ESPN's popular morning debate show, but The Athletic reports that he will no longer be a key figure on the network's NBA pregame show next season. Additionally, he'll have the option to scale back other ESPN appearances.
This shift could open the door for Smith to appear on non-ESPN platforms and discuss topics beyond sports more frequently.
Smith first joined ESPN in 2003 as an NBA analyst, appearing on NBA Shootaround (which later became NBA Countdown) and writing for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Over the years, his role expanded, and in 2012, he became a cornerstone of First Take, cementing his status as one of ESPN's biggest personalities.
Additionally, Smith responded to Charles Barkley's critique of ESPN and his colleague Kendrick Perkins on Thursday.
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