If you thought Stephen A. Smith’s voice couldn’t get any louder, think again. The boisterous ESPN commentator is on the verge of turning up the volume on his bank account in a big way. Negotiations are heating up between Smith and ESPN, and it looks like he’s about to sign a deal that would make him the network’s highest-paid star. We’re talking serious dough here-like, “buy your own private island” kind of money.

Last month, The Puck’s John Ourand broke the news that ESPN slid an $18 million-a-year offer across the table to Smith. Most of us would faint at the sight of that many zeroes, but Smith? He barely blinked.

“ESPN has been working hard to re-sign Smith, whose contract ends in a year; last week, ESPN made its initial offer of $18 million per year for five years. I’m told ESPN execs pitched Smith’s WME agents that he would be their highest-paid star, earning more than Monday Night Football’s Troy Aikman or Joe Buck. It’s an insane amount of dough for a TV personality… but it still might not be enough,” Ourand reported via Puck News.

Rejecting $18 million, Smith’s new contract could redefine sports media salaries

Apparently, $18 million is chump change for a man who can dominate a debate and command an audience’s attention like few others in the business. Enter Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, who’s hearing whispers that Smith’s next contract could land somewhere between $20 million and $25 million per year. Over five years, that means Stephen A. could pocket up to $125 million. Yes, you read that right-$125 million.

“The stars are aligning for Smith to possibly become ESPN’s first $100 million talent. Sources have relayed that his new compensation could eventually come in between $20 million and $25 million per year over five years, compared to five years, $90 million for Aikman, five years, $85 million for McAfee and five years, $75 million for Buck,” McCarthy revealed.

If this deal goes through, Smith will be swimming in a pool of money larger than Scrooge McDuck’s. And honestly? He might deserve every penny. Love him or loathe him, Smith’s work ethic and ratings are undeniable. He’s the guy you love to hate, or hate to love, but you can’t ignore. He’s the engine that keeps ESPN’s debate shows running and fans coming back for more.

In a world where sports media is constantly evolving, Stephen A. Smith is proving that being loud, opinionated, and sometimes controversial can be an extremely lucrative combination. So, the next time you hear that familiar, booming voice, just remember: you’re listening to a potential $100 million man.