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Stephen A. tries Smith used the current media market to set the parameters for his next ESPN contract. His favorite example is Pat McAfee.
According to a report by Puck’s John Aurand, Smith is seeking about $25 million per year for his next contract with ESPN and that he “wants McAfee’s money.”
Many believe McAfee’s deal with ESPN is worth $17 million annually, but the Puck Report said the figure for all of McAfee’s services — his show license and appearances on College GameDay — pays the former NFL player roughly $30 million annually.
Related: Stephen A. Smith addresses the Pat McAfee fight, but doesn’t deny it’s happening
Smith’s current contract, which expires in July 2025, pays him $12 million annually. ESPN has reportedly offered him a deal worth $18 million per year, 50% more than his current deal and more than what McAfee is paid to license his show, but Smith’s agency, WME, is trying to compare Smith to McAfee’s overall package.
ESPN has resisted that comparison, especially since McAfee’s deals are production deals, not talent deals, Bock reported.
How can Stephen A. Smith raised his price?
Smith has been the face of ESPN for a while, leading the growth of the daily show “First Take” while also providing analysis on “NBA Countdown.”
But as for his next deal, Front Office Sports reported on Thursday, June 20, that Smith is looking to do more live coverage of the NFL. That could mean bringing Smith into the studio for NFL shows,We look forward to doing more live coverage of the NFL. That could mean bringing Smith to NFL studio specials including “Sunday NFL Countdown” or “Monday Night Countdown.”
RELATED: Stephen A. admits Smith said he misses the recently fired ESPN analyst
More sports media:
- Charles Barkley calls WBD executives ‘clowns’ amid NBA media rights negotiations
- NFL fans, get ready to hear more from Stephen A. Smith
- The former ESPN broadcaster is returning to court
NFL work would certainly add more to Smith’s plate. He actually does double duty for ESPN while also working on his own show/podcast on YouTube and running his own production company, Mr. SAS Inc. But adding live NFL coverage to Smith’s repertoire is also an important issue given the league’s popularity compared to any other state in the United States.
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