Stephen A. Smith Could Become ESPN’s Highest Paid Talent With Record Raise

Stephen A. Smith is on his way to becoming the highest paid talent in ESPN history, so says sources with knowledge of the negotiations. 

According to The New York Post, Smith’s longstanding career with ESPN may officially be paying off, as he’s expected to close a huge deal that could give him as much as a $5 million increase. 

Though Smith still has two years left on his current contract, sources say ESPN values Smith, and despite the network’s decision to tighten its budget and prioritize “must-keep personnel,” Smith is still expected to receive a historic increase. In fact, execs and agents with knowledge of the situation believe Smith could receive anything from $8 million to $10 million, which would top Mike Greenberg’s $6.5 million salary for “Get Up,” by at least $1.5 million. 

However, serious negotiations have yet to begin. 

In the meantime, Smith can be seen on ESPN’s “First Take,” and heard on his own national radio show, “The Stephen A. Smith Show.”