Stephen A. Smith, the face of ESPN’s First Take, has officially signed a new five-year contract with the network, reportedly worth over $100 million. This massive deal cements Smith as one of the highest-paid personalities in sports media and highlights ESPN’s commitment to keeping its biggest star in-house.
The agreement comes at a time when ESPN has been cutting costs and laying off high-profile talent, making Smith’s deal even more significant. With this extension, he will continue to dominate morning sports talk, but with a lighter workload compared to previous years.
The Breakdown of Smith’s New Contract
Here’s what we know about the deal:
- Five Years, $100M+ – Smith will reportedly earn at least $20 million per year, a major raise from his previous $12 million salary.
- "First Take" Remains His Focus – The deal ensures Smith stays at the helm of ESPN’s highest-rated daily debate show.
- Less Work, More Money – Under this contract, Smith will cut back on some of his NBA coverage and other ESPN appearances to focus more on "First Take."
- Negotiations Were Intense – Reports indicate Smith had offers of five years for $90 million and six years for $120 million, before landing on this final agreement.
Why Did ESPN Pay Him So Much?
ESPN has been slashing costs in recent years, parting ways with major names like Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, and Max Kellerman. So why did they give Stephen A. Smith a massive raise?
- He’s ESPN’s Biggest Star – "First Take" averages over 500,000 viewers per episode, making it one of ESPN’s most-watched daily shows.
- He Brings in Revenue – Beyond TV ratings, Smith has a huge presence on social media, YouTube, and his own podcast, keeping ESPN relevant in the digital space.
- Competition Was Lurking – Other networks and streaming platforms were interested in poaching him, and ESPN wasn’t willing to take that risk.
What This Means for ESPN’s Future
This deal is bigger than just Stephen A. Smith—it’s a statement from ESPN.
- They’re betting big on personalities – In a shifting media landscape, ESPN is doubling down on star-driven content rather than just game analysis.
- They’re shifting resources – While Smith gets a record-breaking deal, ESPN has been making major cutbacks elsewhere.
- It could set the stage for others – With Pat McAfee and other top earners in the mix, ESPN’s approach to contracts may change moving forward.
Stephen A. Smith’s Next Moves
With this new contract locked in, Smith has more flexibility to explore new opportunities, including:
- Expanding his podcast and digital presence
- Potential business and brand deals outside of ESPN
- A possible book or documentary on his career in sports media
There’s even been speculation about him stepping into politics at some point, though Smith has shut down rumors about running for office.
.@stephenasmith addresses rumors that he’s running for President in 2028 👀 #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/I2gu7rwSNV
— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) March 6, 2025
The King of ESPN Stays Put
Love him or hate him, Stephen A. Smith isn’t going anywhere. This deal keeps him at the center of the sports media world, and with more than $100 million secured, he’s now officially in the upper echelon of TV personalities.