Stephen A. Smith's new deal with ESPN will reportedly give him more freedom to explore topics beyond sports.
Smith and ESPN have not finalized a deal, but the sports personality and the network are close to a new deal worth $120 million over six years.
The huge deal will give Smith the opportunity to “propose non-sports ideas to the parent company” as Disney will pay a portion of the deal's costs. According to Mr. Pack's report.
The deal reportedly includes the fact that it is non-exclusive outside of sports content, opening the door for Smith to step further into the cultural zeitgeist through projects that don't center around sports. It will be.
Pack's report cited one example of a rumor that SiriusXM was trying to lure Smith to come to the satellite radio giant and host a show similar to the one he currently does and is streamed on YouTube. pointed out.
Smith has expanded beyond sports with his platform, appearing on programs such as “The Stephen A. Smith Show,'' “The Sean Hannity Show,'' and political radio shows such as “The Mark Levin Show.'' He did not hesitate to take on new topics. ”
New reports also indicate that some of the funding from the deal will come from ESPN Bet, with Smith providing content for the network's betting division.
Smith will continue to appear on “First Take,” and the network will find opportunities for him to appear on ESPN's NBA and NFL coverage.
Smith declined to discuss contract negotiations after The Athletic first reported on the deal earlier this month.
“Here's my famous quote: 'I was born at night, not last night.' I don't talk about contract negotiations. Never. There will never be,” Smith said of being close to a deal. “It's false,” he told the media.
