• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 18, 2025

Stephen A. Smith Negotiating ESPN’s First $100M Deal, but ‘Issues to Be Resolved’

As FOS previously reported, Smith has been negotiating a blockbuster deal expected to pay him at least $20 million a year for five years.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It was once axiomatic that nobody is bigger than the four letters at ESPN. But there are three letters that may put that platitude to rest: SAS.

Stephen A. Smith is making progress on a contract extension that could make him ESPN’s first-ever $100 million talent, sources tell Front Office Sports. But another source warned a long-term contract extension is not done—and there are “still issues to be resolved.” Either way, negotiations are expected to wrap up before Smith’s current deal expires next July.

As FOS previously reported, Smith has been negotiating a blockbuster deal expected to pay him at least $20 million a year for five years. His current annual compensation is $12 million. 

The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported Smith could add another year at $20 million per that would push his total compensation to $120 million over six years. Brian Steinberg of Variety reported Smith is close to a new agreement that would “involve creating a sort of ‘first-look’ agreement for Smith-backed concepts across Disney’s general-entertainment properties.” In June, John Ourand of Puck News reported Smith turned down ESPN’s initial offer of $18 million a year.

A $100 million–plus contract would set a new benchmark for ESPN talent. The Monday Night Football announcing duo of Troy Aikman and Joe Buck currently boast five-year deals worth $90 million ($18 million annually) and $75 million ($15 million), respectively. Meanwhile, Pat McAfee is collecting $85 million over five years ($17 million annually) to license his eponymous weekday show to ESPN. (He receives another cut via a separate talent-only contract with College GameDay.)

Tom Brady’s 10-year, $375 million deal ($37.5 million annually) with Fox Sports; Charles Barkley’s 10-year, $210 million deal with Warner Bros. Discovery; and Tony Romo’s 10-year, $180 million contract ($18 million) with CBS Sports are the three richest pacts in sportscasting.

There was speculation the move of Barkley’s Inside the NBA to ESPN might undercut Smith’s negotiating position. But both ESPN and Disney’s executives love the First Take’s star willingness to pitch in anytime, anywhere, from NBA Countdown to Monday Night Countdown—as well as his outsized consumer appeal at a time when consumers are cutting the cord with cable networks. 

Don’t forget Smith also wants to follow in the footsteps of his childhood idol Howard Cosell by becoming more involved in ESPN’s NFL coverage. Even with Sir Charles in the mix (albeit as a TNT employee), Smith remains ESPN’s biggest star. My sources believe a contract extension is a matter of when, not if.

As ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro told me during the network’s media day in Bristol, Conn., this fall: “Stephen’s very important to us. We have plenty of time here, so there’s no urgency. But my strong desire is to get a deal done with him.”

But Smith has become a very savvy businessman since ESPN dropped him in 2009. He has options. And timing is everything. NBC Sports and Amazon Prime Video are both hiring for their coverage of the NBA starting with the 2025–2026 season. As another source told me, both would “back up the Brink’s truck” to make Smith the face and voice of their hoops coverage. Smith’s owned and operated YouTube show is nearing one million subscribers. Throw in his other opportunities in late-night TV as well as mainstream news and acting, and Smith has leverage. 

As Smith told me at our live “Tuned In” event in September: “They have their vision—and I have mine. If it’s aligned, we’ll work it out. If it’s not, then decisions have to be made. I’m a big boy and I accept the fact that sometimes you don’t get what you want.”

ESPN and Smith’s representatives declined to comment.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

WNBA Stars Say Zero Progress Made at CBA Meeting

The WNBA and its union had their first in-person meeting Thursday.
exclusive

Bill Belichick UNC Series Heading to Hulu After ‘Hard Knocks’ Breakdown

The series lands at Hulu after a deal with HBO fell through.
Lloyd Howell

Scandal-Ridden NFLPA Chief Lloyd Howell Quits

The union executive director stepped down late Thursday night.

Featured Today

Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.

Barstool-Fox Deal Shows NFL’s Portnoy Cold War Is Thawing

The Barstool-Fox alliance is a signal of how times have changed.
exclusive
July 16, 2025

Fox Sports Nearing Deal for Dave Portnoy on ‘Big Noon,’ Barstool on..

Barstool content could fill some FS1 airtime vacated by three canceled shows.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy looks up at the scoreboard Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.
July 17, 2025

Barstool’s Dave Portnoy Announces Fox Sports Deal

FS1 canceled “Breakfast Ball,” “The Facility,” and “Speak” this week.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
exclusive
July 16, 2025

Clint Dempsey on New Job, USA’s ‘Once in a Lifetime’ World Cup

Dempsey said the World Cup is an enormous opportunity for the U.S.
Joy Taylor
July 14, 2025

Joy Taylor Out As FS1 Armageddon Ends Three Shows

All three shows were struggling to attract audiences.
exclusive
July 14, 2025

Fox Promotes Allison Williams to Laura Okmin’s Former NFL Sideline Role

Williams left ESPN in 2021 after declining to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
July 11, 2025

NFL Likely to Stay With CBS, Targeting Mass Renegotiation in 2029

The league instead looks toward a broader set of contract opt-outs.