Stephen A. Smith Signs $100 Million Deal with ESPN, Talks Politics More

NEW YORK, March 6, 2025 — Stephen A. Smith has secured a new contract with ESPN valued at over $100 million for five years. This agreement will keep him as a prominent figure on the network’s flagship show, “First Take,” while allowing him to reduce his overall presence, enabling him to engage more directly in political discussions, according to sources close to the matter.

Smith will continue to headline “First Take,” where he has gained significant attention for his opinions and commentary. However, he is expected to step back from regular appearances on ESPN’s premier NBA pregame show, “Countdown.” While he may occasionally appear on basketball programming or during major events like “Monday Night Football,” his overall footprint on the network will be less frequent.

“The freedom this contract offers will allow Smith to pursue more opportunities beyond ESPN, especially in political discussions,” said a source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “He’s looking forward to expanding his voice on topics that go beyond sports.”

Smith, 57, has been candid about various political issues, often discussing topics involving notable figures like President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris. His political engagement has led some to speculate about a potential run for office, although he has downplayed such ambitions, expressing contentment with his current role.

In interviews, Smith stated, “Everything that I want to do, you gotta make sure it’s all there. The devil’s in the details.” He highlighted the need for flexibility in his new contract to undertake broader discussions outside of traditional sports commentary.

His previous contract was reportedly worth $12 million annually, marking a significant 66% pay increase with this new agreement. ESPN has shown a commitment to retaining high-profile talent, recently investing in other personalities as well, such as Pat McAfee, who hosts a popular daily YouTube show.

As ESPN prepares to launch its flagship streaming service this fall, the network is reassessing its programming strategy, especially after several high-profile departures of longstanding anchors during a major cost-cutting initiative. According to reports, Smith’s evolving role supports this strategic shift, aiming to enhance audience engagement across multiple platforms.

ESPN’s representatives declined to comment on the specifics of Smith’s new deal when approached by Deadline. However, industry analysts anticipate that by allowing Smith to focus on fewer shows, there will be more opportunities for him to leverage his popularity in discussions that resonate with audiences well beyond sports.