Stephen A. Smith is undoubtedly ESPN’s biggest star, but it could potentially end up losing him in 18 months when his contract expires. As per Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, Smith could leave if he doesn’t get paid the big bucks.
“Report: Stephen A. Smith is likely to go ‘independent or to late night TV’ If ESPN doesn’t pay him when his current contract expires in 18 months. ‘If he doesn’t get the bag, he’s gonna split.'”
REPORT: Stephen A. Smith is likely to go ‘independent or to late night TV’, If ESPN doesn’t pay him when his current contract expires in 18 months, @MMcCarthyREV.
“If he doesn’t get the bag, he’s gonna split.” pic.twitter.com/rYSyxb0cx9
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 6, 2024
In recent times, Smith has seen the likes of Troy Aikman, Joe Buck, and Pat McAfee join the network, and make more money than he does. So, if he doesn’t get a bigger deal than them when his contract negotiations take place, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if he chose to walk away.
Considering his popularity, he could very easily land a lucrative deal for a late-night TV show or even go independent. He already has The Stephen A. Smith Show on YouTube, which has proven to be a massive success. Smith is also a lot more open on there, as he doesn’t have to answer to anyone as such and can speak his mind.
Stephen A. Smith Said He Deserves To Be The Highest-Paid Analyst On ESPN
Smith has actually made his feelings on the matter crystal clear. During an appearance on Outkick The Show, the 56-year-old stated he deserves to be the highest-paid analyst on ESPN.
Yes, I’m not stuttering. Hell, yes, that’s absolutely true,” Smith said when asked if he deserves to be the highest-paid. “… In the world of sports television, Clay Travis I’ve been No. 1 for 12 years. April 1st will mark 12 consecutive years I’ve been No. 1. Not only have I been No. 1 every year, I’ve been No. 1 every week and every month of every year for the last 12 years. You don’t get to say that about too many people.”
Smith stated that he is honored to have the colleagues he has at ESPN and has friends at other networks as well, such as Skip Bayless. He thinks it would only be apt, though, for him to be the highest paid as he is the best.
“I’m the one that’s been No. 1,” Smith stated. “And at the end of the day, it would be nice, one day, for this man to stand before everyone and be like, ‘I’m No. 1, and this says I’m No. 1.'”
(starts at 1:24:56 mark):
The fact that Smith went on a show with Clay Travis, who has taken a fair few shots at ESPN over the years, was quite interesting as well. He reportedly earns around $12 million per year now, while Aikman’s deal is rumored to be around $18 million per year. It sure does look like ESPN will have to offer a deal of around $20 million if it is to retain its biggest star.
Stephen A. Smith Says He Is A Bigger Star Than Most Of The Players On The Knicks
It is well-known that Smith is a die-hard New York Knicks fan, and their inability over the years to land a big star has frustrated him a fair bit. While the Knicks are playing well this season and have made a blockbuster trade for OG Anunoby, he is still not very happy.
Smith said he is a bigger star than most of the players on the Knicks, and that might be true as well. The last real star the franchise had was Carmelo Anthony and Smith just wants another big name on the team, even if it is someone like Donovan Mitchell.
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