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Stephen A. Smith Receiving New Role At ESPN After Signing $100 Million Contract

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Mar 8, 2025 4:15 PM ET

Stephen A. Smith may have been in the news this week for his altercation with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, but he also made big news on his own.

Smith has signed a $100 million deal to remain at ESPN. The network has continued to invest in polarizing personalities like Smith and Pat McAfee, and they've increased each of their profile on their air in recent years.

Some fans may have complained about Smith's appearances during the NBA Playoffs last year, but that backlash isn't stopping ESPN from making big decision with their top signing.

According to Front Office Sports, Smith will continue to be a part of ESPN's NBA coverage, but he will also see an increased role on the network's NFL broadcasts as well.

Michael McCarthy and Ryan Glasspiegel of FOS say that Smith is likely to appear on the "Monday Night Football" countdown show before games starting next season. The new information is in line with remarks made by Smith's agent Mark Shapiro.

Speaking at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics conference, Shapiro confirmed that Smith would have a larger role with the "worldwide leader" after signing his new deal.

Smith has continued to expand his profile outside of his traditional appearances on ESPN. He's started a successful podcast, made guest appearances on other networks, and he's even discussed a potential political run.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 23: ESPN Stephen A. Smith before the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum on March 23, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)Justin Ford/Getty Images

“I don’t want to insult the legacy of the great Howard Cosell, who’s somebody that I idolized. But that’s exactly what I want to do,” Smith said back in September, angling for a spot on the pregame show.

“When I think about the NFL, I’m not talking about being in the booth with Troy Aikman and Joe Buck. You don’t mess with that chemistry; you leave that alone. But I’m unapologetic about what I want. I would love to be a part of Monday Night Football."

It sounds like Smith will get what he's looking for, as ESPN seeks to get every bit of value that it can from the $100 million contract that Smith recently signed with the company.

Basketball fans have said they've seen too much of Smith, and we'll see how football fans react to him on their screens every Monday night this fall.

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

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