Stephen A. Smith Agrees to 5-Year $100 Million Contract With ESPN

Stephen A. Smith isn’t going anywhere. The loudest voice in sports media has agreed to a blockbuster new contract with ESPN, securing his place as the face of the network for years to come. According to a report from The Athletic published on March 6, 2025, the deal is worth at least $100 million over five years, a jaw-dropping figure that cements Smith’s status as one of the highest-paid personalities in television. Let’s break it down and see what this means for Stephen A., ESPN, and the fans who can’t get enough of his fiery takes.

The Deal: Big Money, Big Focus:

The new contract keeps Stephen A. Smith front and center on First Take, ESPN’s flagship morning debate show that’s become must-watch TV for sports fans. At $20 million a year, this deal isn’t just a paycheck—it’s a statement. ESPN is doubling down on Smith as their generational star, ensuring that his larger-than-life personality remains the heartbeat of their programming. But here’s the twist: while First Take will stay his primary gig, the agreement scales back some of his other ESPN duties. No more regular stints on the NBA pregame show Countdown or constant appearances across the network’s slate. Instead, he’ll pop up occasionally for big events like Monday Night Football pregames or NBA Finals coverage.

Why the shift? It’s all about freedom. This deal gives Stephen A. room to breathe—and to chase passions beyond sports.

Politics, anyone? More on that in a sec.

From Rumors to Reality

This contract has been a long time coming. Back in June 2024, reports surfaced that ESPN had offered Smith a five-year, $90 million deal—$18 million annually—which he reportedly turned down. Posts on X and articles from outlets like the New York Post buzzed about his demand for $25 million a year, a number that raised eyebrows even among his biggest fans. Fast forward to December 2024, and The Athletic hinted at a six-year, $120 million extension in the works. Now, in March 2025, we’ve landed on five years and “at least” $100 million, per sources speaking anonymously to The Athletic. It’s not quite the $25 million he reportedly wanted, but $20 million a year is still a massive win—and a sign that ESPN wasn’t about to let their top dog walk away.

Negotiations weren’t without drama. Smith himself called a $120 million rumor “a lie” on SiriusXM in December 2024, insisting talks were “constructive” but not finalized. Clearly, the lawyers have been busy, and today’s news puts all that speculation to rest.

What’s Next for Stephen A.?

Here’s where it gets interesting. This deal isn’t just about keeping Stephen A. on ESPN—it’s about letting him spread his wings. Sources say the reduced ESPN workload frees him up to dive deeper into non-sports ventures, like his growing interest in politics. He’s already made waves with appearances on Fox News with Sean Hannity and HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, plus his independent podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show, where he tackles everything from Trump to trans inclusion in sports. He’s even flirted with the idea of running for president (though he’s quick to say he’d rather be handed the job than campaign for it—classic Stephen A.).

This flexibility is a big deal. ESPN and parent company Disney are reportedly open to Smith pitching non-sports ideas, with some of his salary even tied to ESPN Bet, the network’s gambling arm. It’s a savvy move—keeping him locked in for sports while letting him build his empire elsewhere. Could we see a Stephen A. late-night show on ABC someday? Don’t bet against it.

The Bigger Picture

For ESPN, this is a power play. With layoffs rattling the network in recent years and competition heating up from streaming giants like Netflix, locking in Stephen A. is a signal of stability. First Take dominates morning ratings, and Smith’s chemistry with co-hosts like Shannon Sharpe keeps viewers hooked. At a time when ESPN is gearing up for a standalone streaming launch in 2025, they need their heavy hitters more than ever.

For Stephen A., it’s validation. Love him or hate him—and trust me, plenty of folks on X have strong opinions either way—he’s turned his brash style into a media juggernaut. He’s not just a sports guy anymore; he’s a cultural force. At 57, he’s showing no signs of slowing down, and this deal ensures he’ll keep talking (loudly) for at least another half-decade.

Final Thoughts

Stephen A. Smith’s new $100 million contract with ESPN is more than a paycheck—it’s a blueprint for the future of sports media. It’s about staying relevant in a changing landscape, balancing tradition with ambition, and giving a superstar the runway to soar. Whether he’s yelling about the Knicks, dissecting the NFL, or weighing in on the White House, one thing’s for sure: we’ll be hearing his voice—loud and clear—through 2030. So, what do you think—did ESPN overpay, or is Stephen A. worth every penny? Drop your take below, and let’s get this debate started!

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