Stephen A. Smith. Jim Cowsert/Getty Images

Stephen A. Smith Finalizes Decision On His Future At ESPN

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 5:24 PM ET

There's been a lot of speculation about Stephen A. Smith's future at ESPN over the past few months. Well, the sports world received a significant update on the charismatic personality.

Smith joined ESPN in 2003 as an analyst for "NBA Shootaround." He also made appearances on "Pardon the Interruption" and "Jim Rome is Burning." It wasn't until 2012 when he became a featured commentator on "First Take." If we're being honest, he's been the face of that debate show for well over a decade.

Last month, Smith opened up about his future with ESPN while at Radio Row for Super Bowl 59. It was pretty evident that he'd agree to a new deal.

"I have a very, very close relationship with [ESPN chairman] Jimmy Pitaro who has been incredible to me, [Disney CEO] Bob Iger as well of course," Smith said. "When you have those kinds of relationships, you don't buy those. And to have the kind of relationship I have with them, everything that I want to do, you've got to make sure the language is all there and the details, because from a numbers perspective we've agreed months ago."

The "numbers" for Smith's deal weren't released until this Thursday though.

According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, ESPN has signed Smith to a five-year contract worth "at least" $100 million.

Smith has entertained the idea of running for United States president in 2028. He even talked about that possibility on Jimmy Fallon's show.

"Folks are nuts, number one," Smith told Fallon. "Number two, you know, I mean, the Democratic Party, I mean, they’re lost. They had a bad few months. We all know this. And even though there’s a lot of qualified Democrats all over the country from a local perspective — governors, mayors, stuff like that — there’s no real national voice. Enter moi. They’ve come to me. And so, I mean, I did not ask for this. I don’t want this. I happen to have a very, very, very good life, very good job. I’m good, very good."

Smith would probably have to give up serious money from his ESPN deal if he wants to run for president. That's a decision he can make at a later time.

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

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