Getty Image/Disney
Stephen A. Smith and ESPN are reportedly on the verge of a contract extension, according to reports. Smith, who currently makes $12 million per year at the network, making him one of their highest-paid personalities, has a contract that’s set to expire in 2025.
Smith first began working with ESPN in 2003 and is currently the featured commentator and executive producer of the morning debate show First Take. Stephen A. Smith also makes appearances on various other programs across the ESPN network, including Get Up!, SportsCenter, and NBA Countdown.
As the Variety report puts it, Smith’s new deal with ESPN would give him “potential access to other parts of the Magic Kingdom,” as ESPN is owned by Disney. Smith has already begun to branch out beyond sports in recent years while hosting his podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show.
“The two sides, who have been in negotiations for several months, are said to be hopeful they can reach a deal over the next several weeks, according to a person familiar with the situation.”
“ESPN and Disney have been in talks with Smith to devise a new pact that could involve creating a sort of ‘first-look; agreement for Smith-backed concepts across Disney’s general-entertainment properties, according to this person and a second familiar with the talks.” [via Variety]
“Anakin Skywalker, WHO WAS ON CRACK” https://t.co/ZCcrVTZdML
— Clinton Yates (@clintonyates) December 3, 2024
Smith, however, has denied reports of being “close” to a contract extension with ESPN, telling The Athletic‘s Andrew Marchand (with his unique ability to make his voice translate l over non-auditory mediums): “False. Here’s my quote, ‘I was born AT NIGHT, not last night. I don’t talk about my contract negotiations. Never have. Never will.’”
In The Athletic’s report, it’s stated that the two sides are on a verge of a deal that would pay the 57-year-old Smith $20 million per year. If Smith were to be paid $20 million per year, he would eclipse Troy Aikman and Joe Buck as the highest-paid forward facing employees at the network.