Stephen A. Smith and ESPN ‘$7 million difference’ over new deal with First Take star hoping to become network’s highest paid

ESPN sportscaster Stephen A. Smith reportedly wants to become the network’s highest earner.

The First Take analyst, 56, has been negotiating a contract extension with ESPN in recent months.

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Stephen A. appears every weekday on First Take and is on the NBA Countdown panel.

He has been with the network since 2003 and has worked in a variety of roles, including hosting his own show.

Smith’s contract with ESPN expires next year, with the broadcast giants “working hard to re-sign him,” per Puck.news.

“ESPN made its initial offer of $18 million per year for five years last week,” the report states.

In total, the mega money supply would amount to around 90 million dollars.

Stephen A. is poised to become the network’s “highest-paid star,” surpassing Monday Night Football announcers Troy Aikman and Joe Buck.

Despite the exorbitant sums, Smith is seeking around $25 million for his next contract, per Fox Sports.

He’s looking for another $7 million a year than what’s currently on the line, according to Puck.

Stephen A. worked excessively in 2024, flying between the east and west coasts almost daily.

Inside, James Andrew Miller recently told SI Media with Jimmy Traina podcast Smith was asking for a “big, big number.”

“I also feel like given the world of content, he doesn’t even need to get another offer from an entity for that big number,” Miller said.

“I think what ESPN is facing is the possibility that [Smith’s agents] WME could go out and create an architecture where Stephen A. has a podcast, this, a deal with this, a deal with that, whatever, and at the end of the day, it’s $20 million a year.”

Smith was unexpectedly absent from Thursday’s edition of First Take.

This came just days after he complained about being “tired as hell” following a grueling NBA Finals schedule.

Host Molly Qerim confirmed that Smith had “been given the day off” and would return on Friday.

Smith’s First Take co-star Shannon Sharpe recently wrote her own multi-year extension with the network.

Sharpe joined the show last September after leaving Fox Sports’ Undisputed.

“Today is a big day,” Qerim said, addressing Sharpe earlier this month.

“I want to say a big congratulations, you were an incredible addition to the show.

“You’ve shot up the rankings, but you’ve been a great teammate.

“We are so grateful to have you. Many congratulations on your new long-term extension with ESPN.”

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