Stephen A. Smith’s career has spanned multiple domains, from sports journalism to acting and radio, making him one of the most recognized names in American sports media. As of 2025, Smith’s estimated net worth is reported to be approximately $70 million. His wealth is the result of years of hard work, strategic decisions, and building a brand that resonates with millions.

Smith first made a name for himself as a journalist, working for prestigious outlets such as The Philadelphia Inquirer before making the jump to ESPN in 2003. Over the years, his influence has only grown, and so has his paycheck. While his net worth is bolstered by his salaries and endorsement deals, his versatility in media roles has allowed him to stay relevant across platforms, whether it’s through acting cameos, radio shows, or commercials.

Beyond ESPN, Smith has expanded his presence in pop culture, with acting roles in movies and TV series, including his memorable cameo in Creed III. His voice is also heard on Sirius/XM, where he has hosted several radio shows over the years, earning additional revenue streams. However, it’s his contract with ESPN that has truly propelled him into the stratosphere of the highest-paid media personalities.

The New ESPN Contract: Breaking Records

For years, Stephen A. Smith has been known for his bold opinions and high-profile on-screen appearances. It seems ESPN recognizes his unmatched value to the network, as evidenced by the multi-million-dollar deal that the 57-year-old sports commentator recently inked. According to reports from The Athletic and other sources, Smith has signed a five-year contract with ESPN, solidifying his place as the highest-paid personality in the network’s history.

While the exact terms of the contract have not been fully disclosed, it has been confirmed that Smith’s new deal is worth at least $100 million. This figure eclipses the salaries of other high-profile ESPN figures, such as Pat McAfee, who had previously been the network’s highest-paid talent with a deal reportedly earning him over $17 million per year. Smith’s new contract will reportedly bring in a yearly sum higher than even sports broadcasting legends like Troy Aikman and Joe Buck.

Interestingly, while Stephen A. Smith will continue to host First Take, one of ESPN’s flagship shows, his new contract allows him more freedom. The deal reportedly reduces his required appearances on other ESPN programming, giving him the flexibility to work on external projects. This strategic shift will likely allow Smith to diversify his media presence even further, appearing across multiple platforms beyond ESPN.

A New Era for Stephen A. Smith

Smith’s new contract comes on the heels of a period of intense negotiations, during which he made no secret of his desire to become ESPN’s highest-paid talent. “It’s my turn,” he boldly declared in interviews, and it’s clear the network has acknowledged his unmatched influence and contribution to its success. With the new contract in place, Smith is poised to remain at the top of the sports media landscape for years to come.

Despite his dominance in sports media, it’s clear that Stephen A. Smith’s career is far from over. As ESPN’s highest-paid personality, he’s solidified not only his place in the network’s history but also as one of the most influential figures in the industry.