Stephen A. Smith will reportedly get more free reign to explore topics beyond sports with his new ESPN contract.
While Smith and ESPN have not finalized a deal, the sports personality and the network are nearing a new contract worth $120 million for six years.
With that massive deal, Smith will have the opportunity to “pitch non-sports ideas to the parentco” since Disney will be footing some of the bill for the contract, according to a report by Puck.
Reportedly included in the deal is the fact that it is non-exclusive outside of sports content, opening the door for Smith to further venture into the cultural zeitgeist through projects that don’t revolve around sports.
The Puck report pointed to one example of rumors that SiriusXM had been trying to entice Smith to come to the satellite radio giant to host a program that would be similar to the one that he currently does and is streamed on YouTube.
Smith has not been shy about venturing into topics beyond sports on his own platforms, including “The Stephen A. Smith Show” and various appearances on shows like “The Sean Hannity Show” and on political radio shows such as “The Mark Levin Show.”
The new report also indicated that part of the money from the deal would come from ESPN Bet and that Smith would provide content for the network’s betting arm.
Smith will continue on “First Take” and the network will find opportunities for him to appear on ESPN’s coverage of the NBA and NFL.
Smith declined to discuss his contract negotiations after The Athletic initially reported on the deal earlier this month.
“Here’s my quote, ‘I was born AT NIGHT, not last night. I don’t talk about my contract negotiations. Never have. Never will,” Smith told the outlet while calling it “false” that he was closing in on a deal.
