Stephen A. Smith may not have much to do with the many games telecast on ESPN but he’s being paid as if he is.
The “First Take” host, known for his unfiltered sports commentary and soaring oratorical skills, has signed a new five-year deal with the Disney-backed sports giant, according to a person familiar with the matter, which is seen paying him as much as $20 million per year.
The Athletic previously reported that Smith and ESPN had come to new terms. Variety reported in December that the sports outlet and Smith’s representatives were moving closer to an agreement.
ESPN declined to comment, as did WME, which represents the sportscaster.
The deal keeps one of ESPN’s signature voices at the network at a time when Smith is looking to extend his influence. He has tried his hand at an independent podcast, and has been making appearances on Fox News Channel, NewsNation and HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher,” all to talk about politics and national issues — fare he doesn’t often allude do when he’s hosting “First Take.”
The agreement is the latest in ESPN’s efforts to sign top talent to its roster. In recent years, the network has poached Troy Aikman and Joe Buck from Fox to lead the calls for “Monday Night Football”; paid handsomely to sign the outspoken Pat McAfee and license his popular YouTube program; and enlisted former Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce. ESPN has also been paying out top dollar for multi-year deals for rights to NBA and NFL games.
Smith is making the cut even as others at Disney are not. Earlier this week, the company cut approximately 200 jobs across ABC News and its TV-entertainment operations.
The $20 million per year term is noticeably higher than the $18 million a year ESPN was said to have offered in June, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. Smith had been making $12 million a year under his previous agreement with the Disney outlet.
Other networks have made similar deals for talent that executives view as must-have. Rachel Maddow’s deal at MSNBC calls for her to host one show each week, though she also makes regular appearances during special reports and primetime breaking-news coverage.
