Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Stephen A. Smith , American sports television personality, walks on the field before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium.

In American sports media, no other name is as entertaining as that of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. The long-time sports television personality has carved his own niche on air, with a unique style that brings in the audience and the cash. Smith started working for the ESPN network in 2005 and went on to appear on multiple shows for the broadcasting company until 2009 when the two decided to part ways. 

In 2012, Smith rejoined the network and became a permanent member of the show ‘First Take’ which he still co-hosts to this day. Over time, as he grew within the network, Smith started raking in more and more money. In 2014, he signed a multi-year contract making him over $3 million annually. Most recently, it has been reported that he made around $12 million per year, but if you can that is high, you are in for a rude awakening. 

Stephen A. Smith’s Latest Contract With ESPN  

First Take host Stephen A. Smith’s latest contract, according to several people who were told his deal was completed, now stands at a staggering $20 million per year. He has reportedly signed a new deal with ESPN worth $100 million over the next 5 years. And the cherry on the cake is that ESPN has allowed him to reduce his work load for the network so he can focus more on his political adventures. 

As per the new deal, Smith will remain a permanent fixture on the First Take show as he is the reason audiences tune in. Granted, his style and takes can be outrageous most of the time, but how can you complain if that is what drives sports media today? Smith is an entertainer and ESPN is an entertainment network. The two go hand-in-hand.

However, the interesting part of the new deal is that Smith’s workload aside from First Take has been reduced. He may make the occasional appearance on other ESPN shows, but he will no longer be a regular for ESPN’s NBA pregame show. 

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So what will the multi-millionaire do in his spare time? He will focus on politics, why of course! Recently, Smith has been more vocal about the idea of running for the Presidency as a democrat. In fact, in February 2025, while talking on his podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show, he even mentioned the idea of launching a presidential campaign. 

The funny part in all of this is that he has gotten a huge salary hike from ESPN despite the reduction of his involvement with the network. As a matter of fact, Smith has received the largest contract in the history of ESPN, eclipsing even the likes of Joe Buck, Troy Aikman or Pat McAfee who are all employed by the same network. And what’s even more shocking is that his current deal has catapulted him past superstar NFL players such as:

Ja’Marr Chase – $7.7 million APY

Yes, we are all aware that Ja’Marr Chase is on his way to become the highest paid non-quarterback or somewhere close to that range. But, the fact of the matter is, Chase is currently making just $7.7 million annually. 

Travis Kelce – $17.1 million APY

Without a doubt, the best tight end currently playing the game, Travis Kelce, for all that he has accomplished as a three-time Super Bowl-winner is earning just a little over $17 million per year. 

George Kittle – $15 million APY

Not too far behind Kelce in terms of skill and talent, George Kittle is also on a modest contract earning him $15 million per year. 

Saquon Barkley – $20.6 million

Saquon Barkley, the man who did it all last season. He won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, received First-team All-Pro nomination, was selected to his 3rd Pro Bowl, rushed for 2,005 yards in the regular season, and 499 yards in the postseason, and yes, won the Super Bowl, is earning just $20.6 million after his latest deal. Funnily enough, he is the top-earning running back in the history of the league. 

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