Stephen A. Smith has officially signed a new long-term contract with ESPN.
ESPN's prominent commentator Stephen A. Smith has secured a new long-term contract with the sports media powerhouse. According to The Athletic, this agreement may exceed nine figures and will allow Smith to maintain his role as the host of First Take, his flagship weekday program. Additionally, he will make appearances on various other ESPN shows.
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This transition also permits Smith to seek additional programming opportunities that encompass politics, culture, and other subjects.
“I am pleased and honored to continue as a member of the Disney/ESPN family for, at least, the next five years,” Smith stated. “There are only greater achievements ahead. It begins with maintaining our commitment to hard work. See you all soon.”
“Stephen A. diligently strives to enhance the sports dialogue every day, and we are thankful that he will continue with ESPN,” remarked Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN. “He is a transformative figure, and audiences are drawn to his extensive sports expertise, strong viewpoints, and distinctive style.”
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter last year regarding his contract negotiations with ESPN, Smith indicated that he was contemplating broader possibilities for his role within the company, which is adapting to the transition from traditional television to digital platforms.
“When we discuss adaptation, ESPN is evolving by examining the media landscape, the rise of podcasting, the digital realm, and the perception of YouTube as a primary television platform for many, while also addressing the significant competition emerging from various sources and asking, ‘how can we remain relevant and ultimately rise above the competition?’” Smith explained. “This is the challenge facing ESPN, and I see myself as a crucial element in ensuring that this remains the case for both ESPN and Walt Disney.”
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