Report: Stephen A. Smith Expected To Sign $120 Million Contract

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith won't have to worry about leaving the network anytime soon. 

Earlier this year, Smith expressed his desire to be paid among the top personalities in sports. He said, "If it comes to a decision where I have to move on, I prepared myself mentally and emotionally to be able to do that." Well, the "First Take" star won't have to worry about that. According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, ESPN is expected to give him a six-year deal worth $120 million. 

That's right, Smith is on track to sign a $120 million extension. If that's true, that means ESPN bumped up its initial offer to Smith by $2 million per year. 

A recent report from Variety stated that Smith's contract will include a “first-look” agreement involving Disney's other properties. We're not entirely sure what that means yet.

From Variety:

The two sides, who have been in negotiations for several months, are said to be hopeful they can reach a deal over the next several weeks, according to a person familiar with the situation. ESPN and Disney have been in talks with Smith to devise a new pact that could involve creating a sort of “first-look” agreement for Smith-backed concepts across Disney’s general-entertainment properties, according to this person and a second familiar with the talks.

Smith has not commented on these rumors. He's most likely waiting until everything is finalized.