As one of the leading faces of ESPN, Stephen A. Smith has held the attention of sports fans for decades. Now, as his contract nears its end in 2025, negotiations are underway, with ESPN offering a five-year extension worth $90 million—an impressive $18 million per year.
Despite this attractive offer, reports from Puck News suggest that Smith is holding out for a more substantial figure—around $25 million per year. This development comes after both Joe Buck and Troy Aikman secured significant contracts with ESPN before the start of the 2022 NFL season.
ESPN’s Push to Retain Its Star
The network is making a strong effort to keep Smith on board, aiming to make him the highest-paid talent at the company. According to James Andrew Miller on the SI Media with Jimmy Traina podcast, Stephen A.’s deal is coming up…he’s looking for a big, big number.
A Remarkable Career Trajectory
Smith joined ESPN back in 2003 and quickly became a household name with programs like First Take and NBA Countdown. His diverse skill set extends beyond sports commentary; he is also known for his contributions as a writer and radio host, and has even had roles in various movies.
The Financial Evolution
Initially signing with ESPN for $5 million annually, Smith renegotiated in mid-April 2019 to $8 million per year, clinching the title of highest-paid ESPN personality. However, he lost this title when Tony Romo signed a lucrative $17 million annual deal with CBS in March 2020. Currently, Smith earns $13 million annually from ESPN.
NFL Coverage and Beyond
Puck News reports that ESPN’s strategy includes convincing William Morris Endeavor (WME), Smith’s agency, of his potential to command top earnings by expanding his role to cover NFL content. This move could ensure he remains a key figure within the Worldwide Leader.
Miller explained further on the Sports Illustrated podcast: I do believe there are enough possibilities that Stephen A. can get outside of ESPN…and make him very happy and very rich.
In today’s evolving content landscape, the possibility of diversifying Smith’s commitments across multiple platforms could indeed meet his salary ambitions.
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