“$25 million to yell on TV is crazy” – Stephen A. Smith’s alleged demands to ESPN goes viral; fans react

Stephen A. Smith seeking $25 million a year from ESPN to extend his contract.

“$25 million to yell on TV is crazy” – Stephen A. Smith’s alleged demands to ESPN goes viral; fans react

Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith has been making the headlines lately after his recent demands to present on ESPN. According to reports, ESPN has attempted to retain 56-year-old Smith as the network’s face. The anticipated annual sum that Smith was offered, meanwhile, still seems a far way from what the TV veteran was hoping for in a new contract.

ESPN reportedly approached Stephen A. Smith with an offer of a five-year, $90 million contract that would pay out $18 million annually, according to the New York Post. The network’s current offer is significantly less than what Stephen A. Smith, through his agency at William Morris Endeavor (WME), apparently wants to get a $25 million annual deal.

Moreover, Smith is often known for his unusual and unwanted takes on various NBA stars over the years and is not a popular name amongst the fans. After the news of Smith rejecting the $18 million deal broke out, one fan wrote on X(formerly Twitter), “$25M a year to yell on TV and have terrible takes is crazy.” However, Smith and his agency will be focused enough on getting the best deal for themselves.

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After joining ESPN in 2003, Smith has held several positions there, including host of his program, “Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith,” which aired on ESPN2 from 2005 to 2007. Now, Smith hosts different shows such as the First Take Show and NBA Countdown.

Fans react to Stephen A. Smith seeking $25million deal from ESPN

Stephen A Smith has reportedly rejected an $18 million-a-year deal from ESPN as their network’s main face. Smith and his agency are looking for around $25 million a year to sign a contract extension with ESPN. This news has sent the NBA community into a frenzy, with many reacting on various social media platforms.

Various NBA Fans took to social media platforms to put forward their views on Smith rejecting an $18 million deal from ESPN. One fan wrote on X(formerly Twitter), “blud thinks he is NBA player,” while another fan wrote, “He literally wants a salary higher than most NBA players.” Check out some of the reactions below:

It remains to be seen whether or not ESPN bows down to Smith’s terms and offers him what he and his agency seek. As per reports, Smith could also choose to leave ESPN if they don’t agree on contract terms soon.

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