Stephen A. Smith knows his worth.
The ESPN sports journalist and host of “First Take” is currently signed to an annual $12 million deal with the network that will be intact until June 2025. As previously shared by AFROTECH™, his salary includes an $8 million yearly salary and a $4-million-per-year production contract.
Furthermore, with talks of renegotiations on the table, it has been rumored that Smith is seeking a $100 million contract to remain with the network for an additional five years.
Recently, he addressed those rumors during a taping of “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace” on Max.
He was asked by Wallace, “Your ESPN contract is, what we’re told, up next year and the word on the street is, you want something in the range of $100 million for five years. True?”
While Smith did not confirm whether there was any truth behind these numbers, he did confirm he is looking to be paid his worth.
“I’m not getting specific as it pertains to numbers, because only a fool discusses his own negotiations while negotiating,” he mentioned. “I would ask, respectfully, pay attention to the industry, see what people are getting paid. See how much money they’re making and what they’re bringing to the table. Dak Prescott just signed a contract for $240 million. He’s making $60 million a year… Has won two playoff games in eight years. I’ve been No. 1 for 12 years. I’m sorry, in our respective industries I win, and I’m fully aware of what I’m worth, and I will never apologize to that for anybody.”
Smith’s understanding of his worth is measured by the numbers. While speaking with the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast in April 2024, he mentioned “First Take” and its ratings being up in the midst of the linear audience dwindling and shows being cancelled. He also noted his impact in boosting the network’s exposure digitally.
