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Stephen A. Smith Is Reportedly In Talks For A New Show

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 9, 2025 1:29 PM ET

After signing a massive new deal with ESPN, Stephen A. Smith could pursue a new spotlight elsewhere.

On Friday, ESPN signed Smith to a five-year, $100 million extension. While he'll remain a First Take fixture, The Athletic's Andrew Marchand said the new agreement will allow him more freedom to pursue outside opportunities.

John Ourand shared a similar sentiment on his latest episode of The Varsity podcast released Sunday morning. According to the Puck insider, Smith will take "a step back" from regularly scheduled ESPN appearances beyond First Take.

Ourand also said Smith is in talks to host a radio show on SiriusXM.

"There are still a lot of possibilities, and a lot more money out there, for Stephen A. Smith," Ourand said.

While Ourand didn't specify the topic of a potential SiriusXM show, he said ESPN is less keen on Smith talking sports elsewhere. Smith continues to discuss politics and other topics more frequently on his independently owned podcast.

Ourand also cited comments ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro made to him last August about Smith's outside endeavors.

"We are interested in partnering with Stephen on other platforms," Ourand said. "I think he represents us very, very well. I think he's great across sports, and he's incredibly curious."

Smith running for president remains unlikely no matter how much he entertains the conversation, but it seems far more feasible for the 57-year-old to receive a show outside the sports realm. Last June, he called the idea of hosting a live show focused on politics "incredibly appealing."

"I'm open to all the possibilities," Smith said. "I don't limit myself. I could say one thing, but if a better opportunity presents itself, I'm certainly going to entertain it."

Smith celebrated his new deal on Friday's First Take, saying the negotiations "took too long."

"I've got a lot things that I want to achieve, a lot of things that I want to accomplish in my life that extend beyond this show and beyond the world of sports," Smith said. "But it all starts here [at ESPN]."

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

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