Renowned sports TV personality Stephen A. Smith is staying with ESPN for another five years, securing his spot as one of the network’s biggest voices. However, his role is about to shift. According to The Athletic, Smith won’t be leading the NBA pregame show next season, signaling a shake-up in his on-air appearances.
Stephen A. Smith Signs an Extension Deal With ESPN
Smith’s journey from newspaper beat reporter to ESPN’s most influential on-air personality has been nothing short of remarkable. While his future on the NBA pregame show remains uncertain, his reign on First Take is secure.
In fact, ESPN has even bigger plans for him, aiming to expand his presence across multiple shows to maximize his star power. Known for his fiery debates on the NBA, NFL, and MLB, it’s no shock that ESPN locked him in with a massive $100 million deal for the next five years.
Stephen A. Smith has reportedly agreed to a new contract at ESPN worth $100 million https://t.co/he5VvFPCCC
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 6, 2025
Beyond his ESPN dominance, Smith has also made waves in the political sphere with frequent appearances on FOX News, where he hasn’t shied away from discussing his views. His presence grew so much that he was even floated as a potential presidential candidate for the 2024 election.
The buzz around his political ambitions reached mainstream entertainment, he even mentioned it during his appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon“.
“I’m saying, wait a minute now, I don’t want to do this,” Smith told host Jimmy Fallon. “But the fact that they’re talking about me this way, I must say, I approve this message.”
Smith Slams Charles Barkley for His Take on ESPN
Charles Barkley did not hold back when calling out ESPN for its obsession with the Los Angeles Lakers. During TNT’s pregame show for the NBA double-header featuring the Boston Celtics against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers against the New York Knicks, Barkley took a few jabs at ESPN’s coverage.
During the broadcast, Barkley did not hold back in calling out ESPN for its heavy focus on the Lakers. But Stephen A. Smith was quick to fire back. He took to X to respond to Barkley’s comments, making it clear that he was not going to let the criticism slide.
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“Yo Chuck, stop the b.s. with the “y’all”, Smith tweeted. “Attach a name to it. I know I’ve been talking about @cavs being the No.1 threat to the @Celtics. Once you come over here, there’s gonna be some folks waiting to call YOU a fool. P.S. You know I love ya, though. See y’all soon. Yo @TheJetonTNT….workbook those free throws. Love y’all.”
Yo Chuck, stop the b.s. with the “y’all.” Attach a name to it. I know I’ve been talking about @cavs being the No.1 threat to the @Celtics. Once you come over here, there’s gonna be some folks waiting to call YOU a fool. P.S. You know I love ya, though. See y’all soon. Yo… https://t.co/8PbBWVRlim
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) March 7, 2025
Smith defended his coverage, insisting that teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers were never left out of the conversation. He even threw in a sharp remark, suggesting that former TNT employees who have since joined ESPN would have no problem calling him a fool.
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