ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Reportedly In Talks for $90 Million Deal Amid His Marketability Surge

Stephen A. Smith, one of ESPN’s standout personalities, is poised to receive a significant salary boost. According to The Wall Street Journal, Smith might pull in $18 million per year, a 50 percent increase from his current $12 million annual salary. This would come out to $90 million for the five years. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: Stephen A. Smith attends a playoff basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on May 08, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) “The First Take” host only has one year left under his current deal, and reportedly ESPN’s first offer to him is for $18 million per year for five years. ESPN Thinks Smith’s Worth The Money As his contract is up for renewal, Smith attributes this sudden pay increase to his marketability. During a discussion on “First Take” about rookie superstar Caitlin Clark’s potential inclusion in the USA Basketball Olympic roster, Smith emphasized the importance of marketability to his colleague Andraya Carter. “I am telling you right now you are going to be underpaid for the rest of what I believe will be an illustrious career unless you get...