Esteemed sports personality Stephen A. Smith is not backing down when it comes to contract negotiations with ESPN. Reports reveal that Smith, whose current contract is set to expire in 2025, is aiming for a lofty $20 million per year extension. This development comes after ESPN proposed a five-year deal worth $90 million, or $18 million annually.
According to Puck News, ESPN made their pitch to William Morris Endeavor (WME), the agency representing Smith, presenting the possibility of him becoming the highest-paid talent at the network.
Smith’s ambitious demand mirrors the high-value contracts signed by notable figures such as Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, who joined ESPN ahead of the 2022 NFL season on lucrative terms. Buck and Aikman’s contracts are reportedly around $90 million over five years each.
The news arrives shortly after journalist and reporter James Andrew Miller discussed early stages of the contract talks on the “SI Media with Jimmy Traina” podcast. Miller said, Stephen A.’s deal is coming up. In fact, I think there have been preliminary talks already that have started. He’s looking for a big, big number.
Miller emphasized that, given today’s diverse content world, Smith might not need an alternative offer from another outlet to command such a high figure from ESPN. I think what ESPN is up against is the possibility that WME could go out and create an architecture where Stephen A. has a podcast, a this, a deal with this, a deal with that, whatever, and at the end of the day, it’s $20 million a year,
Miller noted.
If Smith secures his desired extension, it would signify not just his value within ESPN but also in the broader media landscape. Despite being most known for his vocal presence on First Take and NBA Countdown, Smith has established diverse appeal beyond sports through his The Stephen A. Smith Show.
Reflecting on his working relationship dynamics during an interview with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, Smith shared insights into his previous partnerships and career shifts within ESPN: I was very honest… saying that I thought the show needed a change… If you want to keep him on the show and not me… so be it,
he stated about parting ways with Max Kellerman on First Take. This mindset likely influences his current negotiations with ESPN.
Miller added his perspective on possible outcomes if talks hit a stalemate: I do believe there are enough possibilities that Stephen A. can get outside of ESPN and even outside an exclusive deal with another network that could make him very happy and very rich.
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