Kaylah Walton
For many years, Stephen A. Smith has established himself as a key figure at ESPN, known for his intense viewpoints and candid commentary on sports.
Though there were rumors in December 2023 about a new contract with ESPN, Smith later indicated that an agreement had not yet been secured.
In a chat with Front Office Sports, he expressed optimism that a formal agreement will be completed shortly.
Smith credits his positive outlook to his good rapport with ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro and Disney CEO Bob Iger, suggesting that a long-term contract with ESPN is just around the corner.
Insights into the negotiations
Smith stated that money isn’t the main concern in the ongoing talks. He noted that the financial aspects were agreed upon several months back in October 2023. The focus now is on the specifics of the contract related to his roles and upcoming projects.
“Everything I want to accomplish needs to be clearly outlined in the contract,” Smith shared.
“The details are crucial, as we’ve settled on the financial terms. The lingering issue is addressing the specifics of my Responsibilities and aspirations.” He mentioned the involvement of attorneys as a part of the process.
While Smith did not give a precise timeframe for the finalization of the deal, his comments convey that an agreement is imminent.
“I work in a fantastic environment,” he noted. “We’re the leading network, and I’m surrounded by amazing colleagues. I’m looking forward to finalizing everything soon and continuing my journey with ESPN.”
Retaining Smith is a significant focus for ESPN. As a prominent analyst, he plays a crucial part not only in First Take but also in NBA coverage, special interviews, and other key ESPN shows.
