ESPN is making a big effort to keep Stephen A. Smith from leaving the network. They have reportedly offered him a massive $90 million over five years to stay on board. Smith’s current contract with ESPN is set to end in 2025, and the network is willing to make him the highest-paid talent on their team. However, Smith is reportedly seeking $7 million more than what ESPN has offered him.
Journalist James Andrew Miller recently discussed Smith’s contract negotiations on the “SI Media with Jimmy Traina” podcast, noting that Smith is looking for a significant increase in salary. ESPN is facing the possibility that Smith’s agency, WME, could create other lucrative opportunities for him outside of ESPN.
ESPN has been handing out lucrative deals to top talent in recent years, such as Pat McAfee and Joe Buck. Smith, who joined ESPN in 2003, has been a key figure on the network, particularly on the hit morning show “First Take.” He also hosts his own podcast, “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” where he delves into a wide range of topics beyond just sports.
Despite ESPN’s efforts to stay away from politics, they allow Smith to discuss anything he wants on his personal podcast. The network has been making big moves to secure top talent, such as luring Joe Buck and Troy Aikman to their “Monday Night Football” broadcast.
Overall, ESPN is determined to keep Stephen A. Smith on board and is willing to offer him a substantial deal to ensure he stays with the network for years to come. Smith’s popularity and influence in the sports media world make him a valuable asset to ESPN, and it seems that both parties are eager to reach a mutually beneficial agreement to keep him on the network.