It’s only a matter of time before Stephen A. Smith has a new contract with ESPN. Per Variety, Smith and ESPN are “close” to reaching a new deal.
Stephen A. Smith’s New Contract
ESPN, Stephen A. Smith Closing in On New Deal https://t.co/W5WFx7CeaJ
— Variety (@Variety) December 3, 2024
Smith’s contract extensions will reportedly include access to other branches of Disney.
Variety states that Smith and ESPN have been negotiating for “several months” and hope to reach a deal over the “next several weeks.”
Smith’s new deal will likely include a “first-look” agreement allowing ESPN and Disney to develop “Smith-backed concepts across Disney’s general entertainment properties.”
Smith has made it abundantly clear that he wants to be one of ESPN’s highest-paid employees, which would put him north of $20 million annually.
The Wall Street Journal reported in June that ESPN offered Smith a multi-year deal worth $18 million annually, a 50% increase from his current salary of $12 million per year.
Smith’s contract expires in 2025.
Stephen A. Smith Remains One Of ESPN’s Most Important Employees
Five minutes of @stephenasmith and @ShannonSharpe debating the NBA's GOAT 🍿 pic.twitter.com/PD4hcXemcV
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 3, 2024
There’s no debate about Smith’s impact on ESPN. The charismatic media personality is one of the five most important employees in the company.
Smith is the host of ESPN’s top-rated morning show, First Take. The 57-year-old is one of the analysts on NBA Countdown and frequently appears on ESPN’s flagship shows, including SportsCenter and Get Up.
In recent years, Smith has built a successful podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show. Smith has also delved into politics, appearing on Fox News with Sean Hannity and NewsNation with Chris Cuomo.
