Stephen A. Smith Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Stephen A. Smith Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Title: Stephen A. Smith Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Last Updated: February 5, 2025


Stephen A. Smith’s Net Worth and Salary Overview

Stephen A. Smith, a prominent figure in American sports media, boasts a net worth estimated at $25 million. His annual salary amounts to $13 million. Primarily recognized for his roles across various ESPN programs, he also contributes as a writer for ESPN’s websites and The Philadelphia Inquirer. In addition, Smith has made a significant impact in talk radio and has appeared as an actor in multiple films, often portraying himself in cameo roles.

Salary Details

Up until April 2019, Stephen A. Smith earned a yearly salary of $5 million. In mid-April 2019, he secured a new contract with ESPN, increasing his annual salary to $8 million. This deal positioned him as both the highest-paid personality at ESPN and the leading sports caster globally. However, he lost this title in March 2020 when Tony Romo signed a CBS contract worth $17 million per year. Presently, Smith’s earnings with ESPN reach $13 million annually.

Declining the $90 Million Offer

A report in June 2024 disclosed that Stephen A. Smith had rejected a $90 million offer from ESPN. This five-year contract equated to an average annual salary of $18 million. It was said that Smith turned down this lucrative deal in hopes of securing an offer that would pay him $25 million each year.

Stephen A. Smith

Jennifer Graylock/Getty Images

Early Life Background

Stephen A. Smith was born in the Bronx, New York, to a father who owned a hardware store. Before that, his father had a successful career as both a basketball and baseball player. Born in 1967, Stephen was the second-youngest among seven siblings. He had a passion for basketball from a young age, which led to a basketball scholarship that enabled him to attend Winston-Salem State University. Before his time at WSSU, he spent a year at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

During his college basketball tenure, he played under the legendary coach Clarence Gaines, gaining invaluable insights and tactical knowledge of the game. Though Gaines was a well-regarded figure, Smith did not hesitate to voice his criticisms. While writing for the university’s newspaper, he contended that Gaines should consider retirement due to his declining health as he neared graduation in 1991.

Initial Steps in Journalism

After completing his college education, Stephen A. Smith’s first significant journalism role was with the Winston-Salem Journal as a clerk in the sports department, setting the stage for his future success. He quickly progressed to more notable positions with publications including Greensborough News and Record and New York Daily News. However, his career truly soared when he joined The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Roles at The Philadelphia Inquirer

Initially, Stephen A. Smith dedicated his efforts solely to covering the Philadelphia 76ers asInitially, he worked as an NBA writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer, but over time, his role within the publication grew significantly. He experienced two promotions throughout the years, ultimately achieving the position of general sports columnist. In 2008, despite having developed a substantial following through his writing, The Philadelphia Inquirer made the decision to terminate his employment. Following this setback, Smith launched his own blog and, two years later, won a legal battle against his former employer. The ruling mandated that The Philadelphia Inquirer rehire Smith, with the stipulation that he remove all political and personal opinions from his writing.

Stephen A. Smith 1Stephen A. Smith 1

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ESPN

Starting in 2003, Stephen A. Smith began his journey with ESPN, initially taking on the role of analyst for the NBA Shootaround pregame show, which later transitioned to NBA Countdown. By 2005, he was already hosting his own show, Quite Frankly With Stephen A. Smith, which was ultimately canceled in 2007. Additionally, he had his own daily show titled The Stephen A. Smith Show. However, many sports enthusiasts likely recognize him most from his time on ESPN’s First Take, which he joined in 2012. Beyond that, Stephen A. Smith made guest appearances on several other ESPN programs, such as Dream Job, Pardon the Interruption, Jim Rome is Burning, and Sportscenter. In 2014, he secured a contract with ESPN that provided a paycheck of $3 million per year. Between 2015 and April 2019, his salary from ESPN rose to $5 million annually. Reports in April 2019 confirmed that Smith had signed a new contract extending to 2021, which would afford him a salary between $8-$10 million per year. As of 2023, he is said to earn $13 million annually with the network, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid TV personalities in ESPN’s history.

Acting Career

Stephen A. Smith has ventured into various acting roles, beginning with a guest appearance on General Hospital, a show he has admired for many years. Smith has made cameo appearances on several occasions. His film debut came in 2007, when he featured in I Think I Love My Wife, directed by Chris Rock. Additionally, the TV personality has been featured in a series of commercials for Oberto beef jerky. Most recently, in 2023, he made a cameo in Creed III.

Radio Career

Stephen A. Smith’s career has included a significant emphasis on Talk Radio. His radio journey began in 2005 with WEPN radio in New York City. Later, the latter part of his show began airing on ESPN Radio. In 2009, he contributed to Fox Sports Radio, ultimately taking on the role of morning show host. By 2013, Smith transitioned from ESPN radio to join Chris Russo’s Mad Dog Sports Channel on Sirius/XM. In 2017, he returned to ESPN, with his new show being broadcast on Sirius/XM. Between 2015 and 2019, he generated an income of $1 million per year from his Sirius/XM radio show.

Controversy

Stephen A. Smith is recognized for his candid, serious, and straightforward commentary. His direct style has sparked multiple controversies. One of the most notable instances involved his remarks regarding domestic violence linked to an NFL player and his spouse, resulting in a brief suspension. Additionally, Smith stirred outrage by suggesting that the decisions made by an NFL coach were influenced by racial bias. He again found himself in controversy after making disparaging comments while viewing a highlight reel of women’s soccer during the FIFA World Cup.

Personal Life

As of now, Stephen A. Smith has never been married. He has two daughters, who are one year apart, though not much is publicly known about them. Smith keeps a tight lid on his personal life, providing little information about his dating history. There have been claims that he was once engaged.

 


Stephen A. Smith Net Worth (Money & Salary)

We appreciate your reading of this article titled: Stephen A. Smith Net Worth (Money & Salary)

The data utilized is from 2023 and 2024, with projections extending into 2025 and 2026. We also look ahead to forecast data for 2027 and 2028.

 



* This information was taken from various sources around the world, including these countries:

Australia, Canada, USA, UK, UAE, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, US, United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia, U.S., South Africa, New Zealand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan.

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi.

Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Islands), Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Croatia (Hrvatska), Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic.

Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, Metropolitan, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories.

Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard and McDonald Islands, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy.

Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg.

Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar.

Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand (NZ), Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway.

Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe.

Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria.

Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), UK (United Kingdom), USA (United States of America, U.S.), US Minor Outlying Islands.

Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City State (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (British), Virgin Islands (US), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.


 


 
Post Title: Stephen A. Smith Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Last Updated: February 5, 2025

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