If you turn on ESPN at 10 a.m. ET, you know exactly what you’re getting. A sharply tailored suit. A voice that could wake the dead. A take so hot it might actually melt your screen.
Steven A. Smith and ESPN are practically synonymous at this point, but if you’ve been watching lately, things feel different. Because they are.
In early 2025, after months of what insiders described as grueling negotiations, Smith finally put pen to paper on a historic five-year contract worth at least $100 million. It’s the largest deal in the network's history for an on-air personality. But here’s the kicker: he’s actually working less for the Mouse House than he used to.
The $100 Million Shift in the Steven A. Smith ESPN Era
For years, Steven A. Smith was the hardest-working man in Bristol. He was on First Take. He was on NBA Countdown. He was doing SportsCenter hits at midnight. He was everywhere.
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That version of Stephen A. is mostly gone.
The new contract, which officially kicked in for the 2025-2026 cycle, saw him walk away from his regular seat on NBA Countdown. Why? Honestly, he just didn't want to do it anymore. He’s gone on record saying he didn't want to be "stuck" in a studio until midnight during the NBA playoffs. When you’re making $20 million a year from ESPN alone, you get to set the schedule.
Where is he now?
Instead of the nightly NBA grind, Smith has pivoted his energy toward three specific pillars:
- First Take dominance: This remains his flagship. In 2025, the show averaged a record 517,000 viewers, up 6% from the previous year.
- The NFL spotlight: In a surprise move, Smith swapped much of his NBA workload for intermittent appearances on Monday Night Countdown. Just this week, he showed up in Pittsburgh for the Steelers-Texans Wild Card game, reminding everyone that while he’s a basketball guy at heart, he can still stir the pot on the gridiron.
- Outside Independence: The "Stephen A. Smith Show" (his podcast/YouTube venture) and his SiriusXM deals are where the real growth is happening.
Why the "Less is More" Strategy Works for ESPN
You might think ESPN is crazy for paying more for less time.
It's actually a calculated bet. By 2026, the media landscape has shifted so heavily toward personal brands that ESPN needs Stephen A. more than he needs them. His total annual income—when you factor in his $12 million SiriusXM deal and his podcast revenue—is estimated to be north of $40 million.
He’s not just a "talking head" anymore. He’s a media empire.
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ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro knows that even a "reduced" Stephen A. is more valuable than almost anyone else at full capacity. His "unmistakable flair" keeps First Take at the top of the cable rankings. Without him, that morning slot becomes a massive question mark.
Politics, Power, and the Future
If you’ve noticed Smith talking more about the White House than the New York Knicks lately, you aren't imagining things.
His new contract reportedly gave him much more "editorial freedom." He’s been a regular on Fox News with Sean Hannity and has made no secret of his interest in the political sphere. There was even a buzz in late 2025 about a potential run for office, though he’s mostly played that off as talk—for now.
"I’m a busy man," Smith told his SiriusXM audience recently. "I’ve got obligations that transcend just sitting behind a desk talking about a jump shot."
This autonomy is a double-edged sword for ESPN. On one hand, they keep the biggest star in sports media. On the other, they’ve lost the "omnipresence" that made him their 24/7 fix-it man.
What This Means for Your Morning Routine
So, what should you expect from Steven A. Smith and ESPN moving forward?
Don't expect to see him on every pregame show. Those days are over. You’ll see him on First Take in the mornings, and you’ll see him on the biggest stages—think Super Bowl LXI in 2027 or the NBA Finals.
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The strategy is clear: high-impact, low-frequency everywhere else.
If you want the raw, unfiltered Stephen A. that isn't bound by Disney’s corporate standards, you have to follow him to his independent platforms. That’s where he’s building his legacy.
Next Steps for Fans and Media Observers:
- Watch the Ratings: Keep an eye on NBA Countdown’s numbers. If they dip significantly without Smith, expect ESPN to back up the truck even further to get him back in the studio for the 2026 Finals.
- Follow the Podcast: If you want the political and social commentary that the ESPN contract now allows him to explore, "The Stephen A. Smith Show" is where the real "Straight Shooter" resides.
- Monitor the NFL Presence: His recent Wild Card appearance suggests ESPN is trying to integrate him into their Super Bowl 2027 coverage. Watch for more of these "special guest" hits during the 2026 NFL season.
The era of Stephen A. Smith as just a "sports reporter" is officially dead. We’re living in the era of Stephen A. the mogul.