Stephen A. Smith is in high-stakes contract negotiations with ESPN, seeking to become the network's highest-paid talent. Smith, currently earning $18 million annually, has rejected ESPN's initial offer of a five-year, $90 million deal. He is now demanding $25 million per year. A key point in the negotiations is Smith's desire for more direct NFL coverage, which sources indicate could be crucial for reaching an agreement. ESPN's offer, which would match the salary of Pat McAfee, has been deemed insufficient by Smith and some industry analysts. Smith's current deal expires in July 2025.
Stephen A. Smith being wrong all the time won’t stop weak ESPN from caving to contract demands https://t.co/gcNzNnKIYs https://t.co/ONnhSidx2H
Stephen A. Smith’s current ESPN deal expires in July 2025, and he’s made it clear he wants to be the highest-paid talent at the network. Giving Smith the green light for direct NFL coverage could be a key point in his contract talks, sources tell FOS. @MMcCarthyREV with more ⬇️
ESPN is lowballing Stephen A. Smith with $18 million offer: Dan Le Batard https://t.co/9bKWkbnKYC https://t.co/BpKh7jfCPS
ESPN is low-balling Stephen A. Smith with $18 million offer: Dan Le Batard https://t.co/19qOyK448z https://t.co/or8vfEfXwQ
Stephen A. Smith and ESPN are reportedly very far apart on a new contract. 🔽 https://t.co/9JgsrRGnCP
Stephen A. Smith has been offered $90 million for five years by ESPN. That’s $18 million a year. Good for him. I want everyone in media setting new salary highs when their contracts come up: https://t.co/R6Knz0DtUC
Will Stephen A. Smith leave ESPN after reportedly being offered a 5 year, $90 million deal? @HuttonOutkick @TheChadWithrow https://t.co/zJheyN0X86
Stephen A. Smith uses Pat McAfee to drive up his next ESPN contract https://t.co/WmSMWyQ3AH
🚨Report: Stephen A. Smith wants 25 Million per year from ESPN in his new contract. Is Stephen A Smith worth this much per year? https://t.co/EPs72ZhvTx
"He can do this for more than $18 million on his own. He doesn’t need ESPN.” – Dan explains why ESPN is undervaluing Stephen A. Smith despite reportedly offering him $18 million per year. 📺 https://t.co/6ZV9WhZHI9 https://t.co/HwH2uVUDEU
Will ESPN's reported offer of $90 million over 5 years be enough to satisfy Stephen A. Smith? @ClayTravis https://t.co/Y2CibTXsQP
Dan Le Batard: ESPN undervaluing Stephen A. Smith with $18 million offer https://t.co/oEw1L2bwSv
ESPN reportedly makes Stephen A. Smith a huge contract offer, but will it be enough? https://t.co/wPBgg57xu1
Stephen A. Smith now wants $25M annually from ESPN, after rejecting $18M, per @Ourand_Puck 📸: Tim Heitman/Getty Images https://t.co/vrNtoyAw77
Stephen A. Smith's Eye Popping Salary Demand Is Reportedly $7 MILLION More Than What ESPN Is Offering https://t.co/f65EIpjPp4
Already offered $18 million in this economy to be an angled pawn and @stephenasmith wants $25 million. Truly mind blowing numbers. ESPN in trouble long term, there’s no reason this mother fucker should be making QB money.
Already making $18 million in this economy to be an angled pawn and @stephenasmith wants $25 million. Truly mind blowing numbers. ESPN in trouble long term, there’s no reason this mother fucker should be making QB money.
ESPN has reportedly offered a five year $90 million deal, $18 million a year, to Stephen A. Smith. Good for him, but I think he expects more: https://t.co/kv2SvSlN4t
ESPN offers Stephen A Smith whopping $90M deal over 5 years to remain with network: report https://t.co/SrT6GfnbJt
Stephen A. Smith wants to be ESPN's highest-paid talent—and he wants to talk about the NFL more. Sources tell @MMcCarthyREV that the green light for more NFL coverage is key in his contract negotiations with ESPN. Story ⬇️
Stephen A. Smith 'rejected $90MILLION opening offer from ESPN with First Take host determined to be on par with Pat McAfee' https://t.co/FCHTrUOUZu https://t.co/XG7J9TUAFy
ESPN offers Stephen A. Smith $90 million deal amid huge push to keep him at network https://t.co/HC2MMi5re1 https://t.co/1YiqxwcbER
Stephen A. Smith now wants $25M annually from ESPN, per @Ourand_Puck ESPN is offering $18M “ESPN and Pitaro have put an $18 million-per-year offer in front of their generational star. It’s an insane amount of dough for a TV personality… but it still might not be enough.” 😳… https://t.co/mmrNvbyzHQ
ESPN, Stephen A. Smith reportedly $7 million a year apart in negotiations https://t.co/LvCzXpG4vT
ESPN's opening bid for Stephen A is $18 million per year. He wants more. @Ourand_Puck https://t.co/pk6L14zQkX
NEW: ESPN has put an $18 million-per-year offer in front of Stephen A. Smith to re-sign when his contract ends in a year. Will it be enough to keep him? @Ourand_Puck reports. https://t.co/VdWcNdb4cM
Stephen A. Smith takes a rare shot at ESPN https://t.co/LYOwXLfxWY
Could NFL coverage lure Stephen A. Smith to stay at ESPN? https://t.co/iYrQdqvk0Y
Stephen A. Smith could demand $20M annually on his next contract with ESPN and look to cover the NBA and the NFL, per @MMcCarthyREV “My sources tell me that giving Smith the green light for more direct NFL coverage could be a key negotiating point in his contract talks this… https://t.co/L25lQnegN7
Stephen A. Smith getting the green light for more NFL coverage could be key to his negotiations with ESPN, sources tell FOS. Smith could command $20M annually with an extension, making him ESPN's highest-paid talent. @MMcCarthyREV's story ⬇️