Money talks and ESPN is not letting Stephen A Smith walk.
Whether you’re a sports fan or hang out on Twitter all day, everyone knows or at least has come across a meme of tv personality Stephen A. Smith. And because of that Smith could make history.
According to New York’s Post’s Andrew Marchand, sports journalist, radio host, and television personality, Stephen A. Smith is “in line” to becoming the highest-paid on-air talent in ESPN history.
Andrew Marchand on Twitter
Stephen A is going to be in line to make $8-10M per year, according to executives and agents contacted by The Post https://t.co/9WtQ2q3AwY via @nypostsports
Smith’s current contract is reportedly worth around $5 million per year. However, the “First Take” personality and syndicated talk show host could see a raise any from $8 million to $10 million per year.
The host’s current deal is set to expire in 2021. And though the two sides have yet to start seriously negotiating, reports claim that ESPN is willing to give the very popular personality a hefty raise when the time comes to avoid running the risk of losing him to a competitor.
The 51-year-old has been with ESPN since 2005 and was given his own show “Quite Frankly” in 2009. Smith is arguably one of the most recognizable faces at the network. And most recently has become a certified meme machine on social media.
Mike Greenberg currently holds the title as ESPN’s highest-paid personality earning an estimated $6.5. million per year. Meanwhile, PTI hosts Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser earn salaries, “in Greenberg’s neighborhood.”
