Discovering Stephen A. Smith’s Net Worth and Salary
Stephen A. Smith’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million, with an annual salary of $13 million. He is recognized for his roles in various ESPN programs, as well as his contributions to ESPN’s websites and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Additionally, Smith has found success in talk radio and has made appearances in movies, usually playing himself in cameo roles.
Insight into Salary
Previously, Stephen A. Smith earned $5 million annually until April 2019. However, after signing a new contract with ESPN in mid-April 2019, he received $8 million per year. This deal made him the highest-paid ESPN personality and the highest-paid sports caster globally. Although, in March 2020, he lost this title to Tony Romo, who signed a $17 million per year contract with CBS. Today, Smith’s earnings from ESPN stand at $13 million per year.
Decisive Decline of $90 Million
A significant revelation in June 2024 unveiled that Stephen A. Smith declined a lucrative $90 million contract offer from ESPN. The offer equated to an average annual salary of $18 million over five years, as Smith was holding out for a deal that would pay him $25 million annually.
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Early Years
Born in the Bronx, New York, Stephen A. Smith was raised by a father who operated a hardware shop and was a former prominent basketball and baseball player. With six siblings, Smith developed his passion for basketball early on and earned a scholarship to Winston-Salem State University. Before attending WSSU, he spent a year at the Fashion Institute of Technology. During his college basketball tenure under Coach Clarence Gaines, Smith openly criticized the coach, advocating for his retirement due to health concerns. In 1991, Smith graduated from university.
Commencement of Journalism
Following college, Smith began his journalism career at the Winston-Salem Journal before progressing to roles at the Greensborough News and Record. His breakthrough arrived when he was hired by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Role at Philadelphia Inquirer
Initially an NBA writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer covering the Philadelphia 76ers, Smith advanced to become a general sports columnist. Despite his dismissal from the publication in 2008, he successfully fought a legal battle against them. The court ruled that Smith be reinstated, requiring him to exclude personal and political views from his content.
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Transition to ESPN
Smith joined ESPN in 2003 and has been associated with numerous shows, including NBA Shootaround and First Take. He signed varying contracts with ESPN, with his current earnings standing at $13 million yearly, solidifying his position as one of ESPN’s highest-paid personalities.
Venture into Acting
Smith has dabbled in acting with appearances in General Hospital, I Think I Love My Wife, and commercials for Oberto. He notably made a cameo in Creed III in 2023.
Radio Prowess
Smith has been an integral figure in Talk Radio, starting with WEPN radio in New York City. He ventured into various radio shows over the years, with his Sirius/XM endeavor earning him $1 million annually from 2015 to 2019.
Controversial Stance
Known for his straightforward commentary, Stephen A. Smith has sparked controversies with his unfiltered opinions, making him a prominent figure in the sports media landscape.
The connection to domestic violence involved an NFL player and his wife, resulting in the commentator’s brief suspension. Stir was caused by Stephen A. Smith’s suggestion of racial prejudice influencing an NFL coach’s decisions. Additionally, the commentator faced backlash for making belittling comments following a women’s soccer highlight reel during the FIFA World Cup.
Personal Life
Stephen A. Smith has never been married and has two daughters who are close in age, with limited information available about them. His personal life remains private, with minimal details shared about his dating life. Reports suggest he was previously engaged.