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Chris Russo Joked About Stephen A. Smith's Rumored Contract On 'First Take'

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Dec 4, 2024 11:38 AM ET

After months of negotiations, it seems Stephen A. Smith and ESPN are close to a contract renewal.

According to Variety.com, the two sides are "just weeks away from finalizing a deal," which is expected to include multiple years and a more than 50% pay increase for the "First Take" personality. Along with "first-look" rights for ESPN/Disney to have dibs on developing any Smith-related content across its various platforms.

Word of the pending agreement must've gotten back to Smith's colleague, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, who had a little fun with his partner on Wednesday's show after host Molly Qerim asked if everyone was feeling "chipper."

"The guy in front me is very chipper. I'll guarantee ya that," Russo laughed. "Hello Steve! How are ya?!"

Molly Qerim: "How's everyone feeling this morning? Are we chipper?"

Chris Russo: "The guy in front me is very chipper. I'll guarantee ya that. Hello Steve, how are ya?" https://t.co/fwel8WvQJH pic.twitter.com/q1LfbG1Wfm
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 4, 2024

Stephen A.'s current contract with ESPN is set to expire next year. Back in June, The Wall Street Journal reported he had been offered $18 million per year on a proposed new deal, but the offer was turned down.

Given the many hats Smith wears and how much he means to the network as its flagship personality, it's easy to see why Stephen A. would push for as much as he can get out of the Worldwide Leader.

It's also worth noting that in recent years Smith has mused about ambitions of doing late-night programming or political commentary. He's already appeared as a guest on shows like "Hannity" on FOX News, as well as NewsNation. And he's even made several cameos on the long-running daytime soap opera "General Hospital."

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 14: Stephen A. Smith looks on during the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks during Game Four of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 14, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jim Cowsert/NBAE via Getty Images)Jim Cowsert/Getty Images

Older readers may remember his short-lived sports talk show "Quite Frankly" which ESPN pulled the plug on back in 2007, after two years on television.

But right now it seems like ESPN desperately wants to stay in the Stephen A. business, and he wants to stay in theirs.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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