Stephen A. Smith Reportedly in Talks for $120 Million ESPN Deal

The new deal could have Smith making almost $20 million a year over six years.

December 4, 2024

A man in a light suit with a microphone headset, gesturing with his hand, in a studio setting.

Image via Kostas Lymperopoulos/NBAE via Getty Images

Stephen A. Smith is in the process of locking in a lucrative, multi-year deal with ESPN, according to reports.

Smith, 57, has been in negotiations with ESPN for months about securing a new deal that will give him more leverage at the company with whatever concepts he introduces, per Variety.

The Athletic clarified that the negotiations were indeed happening but got word from Smith that the deal was nowhere near complete.

According to the report, Smith said there was no deal made yet and that he wouldn't be sharing any more information.

"Here's my quote, 'I was born AT NIGHT, not last night. I don't talk about my contract negotiations. Never have. Never will,'" Smith texted The Athletic.

Early reports have stated Smith and ESPN were crafting a six-year, $120 million deal which would have seen him take home $20 million a year. That potential contract would be the highest for an ESPN on-air personality with no licensing deal.

ESPN first pitched an $18 million-a-year deal, but Smith apparently wasn't budging on that.

Once the dust has settled, Smith could alternatively be looking at a five-year, $100 million deal. Smith is currently making $12 million per year at ESPN and has several multimillion endorsement deals with sports gambling companies.