ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith is staying put, agreeing to a new nine-figure deal that makes him one of the highest-paid TV personalities in sports media. The 57-year-old will continue to host First Take and focus on politics, after being floated as a potential presidential candidate. As part of the five-year contract, Smith’s annual salary will increase from $12 million to around $20 million, with an additional raise of $8 million per year. This new deal solidifies his position as one of ESPN’s top talent, cementing his role on popular shows like NBA Countdown and Monday Night Football pregame coverage.
Source: https://www.si.com/media/stephen-a-smith-agrees-new-nine-figure-deal-espn