Stephen A. Smith Net Worth

Stephen A. Smith: Net Worth, Salary, Career, and Controversies

What is Stephen A. Smith’s Net Worth and Salary?

Stephen A. Smith, a prominent figure in American sports media, has built a successful career spanning journalism, television, and radio. As of 2024, Stephen A. Smith’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million. His impressive net worth is a direct result of his high salary and diverse career across various media platforms.

Stephen A. Smith’s current annual salary is $13 million. This substantial income reflects his value to ESPN, where he is a key personality on several popular programs. He is best known for his dynamic commentary and engaging presence on ESPN’s First Take, as well as his contributions to the network’s websites and other shows. Beyond television, Smith’s writing and radio work have also contributed significantly to his financial success.

Salary History and Contract Details

Stephen A. Smith’s salary has seen significant growth throughout his career, reflecting his increasing influence and popularity in the sports media landscape. His salary history highlights his value to ESPN and his ability to negotiate lucrative contracts.

• Pre-2019: For several years leading up to April 2019, Smith earned an annual salary of $5 million.
• April 2019: Smith signed a new contract with ESPN that increased his salary to $8 million per year. This contract made him the highest-paid personality at ESPN and the highest-paid sports caster overall.
• March 2020: Tony Romo signed a contract with CBS worth $17 million per year, surpassing Smith as the highest-paid sportscaster.
• Current: As of 2024, Smith earns $13 million per year with ESPN, solidifying his position among the highest-paid figures in sports media.

Turning Down a $90 Million Offer from ESPN

In June 2024, it was revealed that Stephen A. Smith declined a substantial contract offer from ESPN. The offer, totaling $90 million over five years, would have provided an average annual salary of $18 million. Smith reportedly turned down the offer, seeking a contract that would pay him $25 million per year. This decision underscores Smith’s confidence in his market value and his negotiating power within the network.

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Early Life and Education

Stephen A. Smith’s journey to becoming a renowned sports media personality began in the Bronx, New York. Born in 1967, he was raised alongside six siblings, with his father running a hardware store. Before this, his father was a notable basketball and baseball player. From a young age, Smith developed a passion for basketball, which led to a scholarship at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). Before attending WSSU, he briefly attended the Fashion Institute of Technology.

During his time at WSSU, Smith played basketball under the guidance of Coach Clarence Gaines, a highly respected figure in the sport. Despite the coach’s fame, Smith was not afraid to voice his opinions, even criticizing Gaines in the university newspaper, advocating for his retirement due to health concerns. Smith graduated from WSSU in 1991.

Early Journalism Career

After graduating, Stephen A. Smith began his professional career in journalism. His initial role was with the Winston-Salem Journal, where he worked as a clerk in the sports department. This experience served as a stepping stone, providing him with the skills and opportunities needed to progress in his career. He then secured more significant positions at publications such as the Greensborough News and Record and the New York Daily News.

The Philadelphia Inquirer Years

A pivotal moment in Smith’s career came when he joined The Philadelphia Inquirer. Initially, he focused on covering the Philadelphia 76ers as an NBA writer, but his role expanded over time. He earned multiple promotions, eventually becoming a general sports columnist. Despite his growing popularity and success at the publication, The Philadelphia Inquirer terminated his employment in 2008. Smith subsequently started his own blog and, two years later, won a court case against his former employer. The court ruled that The Philadelphia Inquirer must rehire Smith, but he also had to remove any political or personal views from his content.

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The Rise at ESPN

Stephen A. Smith’s career with ESPN began in 2003, marking a significant turning point. His first role involved serving as an analyst for the NBA Shootaround pregame show, which later evolved into NBA Countdown. Two years later, he hosted his own show, Quite Frankly With Stephen A. Smith, which was canceled in 2007. He also had his daily show: The Stephen A. Smith Show.

However, he is perhaps best known for his role on ESPN’s First Take, which he joined in 2012. Smith has appeared on numerous other ESPN programs, including Dream Job, Pardon the Interruption, Jim Rome is Burning, and SportsCenter. His influence at the network is reflected in his impressive salary increases, making him one of the highest-paid television personalities in ESPN’s history. In 2014, Smith signed a contract that paid him $3 million annually, and from 2015 to April 2019, he earned $5 million per year. His most recent contract, as of 2023, pays him $13 million per year.

Acting Career

In addition to his media work, Stephen A. Smith has pursued opportunities in acting. His acting career began with appearances on General Hospital, where he has made several cameo appearances as a long-time fan of the show. In 2007, Smith appeared in the film I Think I Love My Wife by Chris Rock. He has also appeared in numerous commercials, including for Oberto beef jerky. More recently, Smith had a cameo in the 2023 film Creed III.

Radio Career

Stephen A. Smith’s career also includes significant contributions to talk radio. His radio career began in 2005 with WEPN radio in New York City. Eventually, the second half of the show was broadcast on ESPN Radio. In 2009, Smith contributed to Fox Sports Radio, ultimately hosting their morning show. In 2013, he departed ESPN radio to join Chris Russo’s Mad Dog Sports Channel, which was hosted on Sirius/XM. In 2017, Smith returned to ESPN, with his radio show now also being hosted on Sirius/XM. From 2015 to 2019, he earned $1 million per year from his Sirius/XM radio show, further diversifying his income and expanding his audience.

Controversies and Public Image

Throughout his career, Stephen A. Smith’s outspoken style has often led to public controversy. Known for his frank and no-nonsense commentary, Smith’s takes have generated a number of heated debates and criticisms.

• Domestic Violence Comments: Perhaps one of the most notable controversies involved his comments on domestic violence related to an NFL player. The incident resulted in a brief suspension.
• Racial Prejudice Allegations: Smith also caused a stir by suggesting an NFL coach’s decisions were based on racial prejudice.
• Women’s Soccer Comments: He received criticism for making belittling remarks about women’s soccer during the FIFA World Cup.

These controversies highlight the challenges of maintaining a public persona while being straightforward in commentary. Despite the backlash, Smith’s willingness to address sensitive topics head-on has solidified his reputation as a bold and opinionated commentator.

Personal Life

Stephen A. Smith is unmarried and has two daughters who are very close in age. He maintains a private approach to his personal life, offering little public information about his daughters or his dating life, although it is known that he was once engaged. This discretion allows him to protect his family from public scrutiny and maintain a clear boundary between his professional and personal life.