Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Stephen A. Smith reportedly signs to new $100 million contract with ESPN

Smith will continue to appear on the morning debate show 'First Take'.

Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Stephen A. Smith has reportedly signed a new contract with ESPN. According to The Athletic‘s Andrew Marchand, both parties have reached a new five-year contract worth $100 million. CNBC has not announced any changes in his role at ESPN.

BREAKING: Stephen A. Smith has agreed to a new contract with ESPN worth at least $100 million for five years, sources briefed on the agreement told @AndrewMarchand.

Details on his deal:https://t.co/EcjczdemkV pic.twitter.com/L2558SX5Rs
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 6, 2025

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Smith’s new contract put him among top three highest-paid sports broadcasters

Smith, a former newspaper beat reporter will continue to appear on the morning debate show ‘First Take’. The 57-year-old will also get opportunities outside of the network. Smith will no longer be a part of the NBA pregame show next season.

Last year, Smith was asked on ‘Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace’ about demanding “something in the range of $100 million for five years.” He backed himself and said he was “fully aware of what I’m worth.”

“I would ask, respectfully, pay attention to the industry, see what people are getting paid,” Smith said. “See how much money they’re making and what they’re bringing to the table. Dak Prescott just signed a contract for $240 million. He’s making $60 million a year.”

Stephen A. Smith's new contract places him among the top three highest-paid sports broadcasters 💰 pic.twitter.com/vXFfB2FBMr
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 6, 2025

The new five-year deal will make Smith the highest-paid talent at ESPN, ahead of the Monday Night Football duo of Troy Aikman ($18 million), Joe Buck ($15 million) and Pat McAfee ($18 million).

The 57-year-old has also made it into the top three highest-paid sports broadcasters, only behind Tom Brady (Fox) and Charles Barkley (TNT). The 57-year-old has been floated as a possible presidential candidate in 2028.

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.