$120 million tabled for Stephen A. Smith as he looks to expand role with Disney
Stephen A. Smith looking to finalize next contract with ESPN and Disney amidst interest in exploring other projects than just sports.
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$120 million contract is what Stephen A. Smith is looking to sign with ESPN and Disney
Stephen A. Smith has been the frontman for ESPN’s sports broadcasting for the past decade or more. His elaborate and loud debates have been the staple of First Take, which has become the show that gets the network its highest ratings among daytime shows.
The 57-year-old’s contract is up after this season and is wants to earn a massive payday. Earlier speculation was that Smith was looking towards being the highest paid sports broadcaster on television. As per Variety and The Athletic, the Smith is looking for six-years and $120 million.
Earlier this year, there were reports that the longtime analyst wanted to move into other forms of media. Most notably, he expressed interest in replacing Jimmy Kimmel as the host of the Late Night Show. So far, discussions along those lines have not materialized even though Kimmel has indicated that he wants to retire after this season.
ESPN offered Smith a deal of around $18 million back in June. But according to Variety, the New York native was not happy and continued his discussions with ESPN and Disney. One source familiar with the situation mentioned to Variety that deal is closing in on his preferred figures and will be signed once they finalize the finer details.
ESPN and Disney have been in talks with Smith to devise a new pact that could involve creating a sort of “first-look” agreement for Smith-backed concepts across Disney’s general-entertainment properties.
Variety on Stephen A. Smith
If this were to happen, then it is likely that not only does Smith take home the highest salary among all sports broadcasters, but he also will be able to work with other sections of Disney’s businesses to create shows.
Stephen A. Smith already showing signs of slowing down on First Take
Since the NFL season started, First Take has been back toping the ratings charts with their debates. However, one aspect has been evident so far. That of Stephen A. Smith not being in studio for most of the time.
Instead, he joins in from other locations, primarily in Los Angeles, to debate about topics with co-host Molly Qerim and their myriad of rotating analysts. Sometimes he goes on for weeks not appearing in their NYC Pier studios.
It might not impact the show, but the long-time analyst could be working on expanding his portfolio to other projects. Maybe once the deal is ironed out, he could return to work in New York until the NFL as well as the NBA playoffs conclude.
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Joseph Varghese
(2385 Articles Published)