Stephen A. Smith Net Worth (Money & Salary)

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

Stephen A. Smith, an American sports media figure, boasts a net worth of $25 million and an annual salary of $13 million. Renowned for his appearances on various ESPN programs, Smith also contributes as a writer to ESPN’s websites and The Philadelphia Inquirer. His success extends to talk radio and occasional acting roles in movies where he often portrays himself.

Salary

Up until April 2019, Smith earned $5 million annually. Subsequently, he inked a new deal with ESPN that escalated his earnings to $8 million a year, making him the highest-paid ESPN personality and the world’s top-paid sports caster. However, in March 2020, he relinquished this title to Tony Romo following the latter’s $17 million a year contract with CBS. Currently, Smith’s annual income from ESPN stands at $13 million.

Turning Down $90 Million

Reports in June 2024 revealed that Smith declined a $90 million contract offer from ESPN, which equated to an average yearly wage of $18 million over five years. He purportedly rejected the deal, holding out for an offer that would remunerate him $25 million annually.

Early Life

Stephen A. Smith was born in the Bronx, New York, to a father who formerly ran a hardware store and was a notable basketball and baseball player. His interest in basketball burgeoned early on, leading to a scholarship that facilitated his education at Winston-Salem State University after a brief stint at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Mentored by renowned coach Clarence Gaines during his university basketball tenure, Smith even openly critiqued Gaines as he neared the end of his college years. Graduating in 1991.

Early Journalism Career

Smith commenced his journalism profession at the Winston-Salem Journal and swiftly progressed to eminent publications like the Greensborough News and Record and the New York Daily News. However, it was his tenure at The Philadelphia Inquirer where he truly made strides.

Philadelphia Inquirer

Initially serving as an NBA writer for the Philadelphia 76ers, Smith ascended to the position of general sports columnist before his employment with the publication ceased in 2008. Following a successful legal battle against them, he regained his position at the Inquirer, albeit with restrictions on his content.

ESPN

Smith’s tenure at ESPN, which commenced in 2003, featured roles in various shows including Quite Frankly With Stephen A. Smith, The Stephen A. Smith Show, and the iconic First Take. Over the years, his salary at ESPN has grown substantially, ranging from $3 million in 2014 to the recent $13 million yearly compensation.

Acting Career

Outside of sports media, Smith has delved into acting with roles in productions such as General Hospital and movies like I Think I Love My Wife and Creed III, often appearing in cameo appearances.

Radio Career

Smith’s involvement in Talk Radio dates back to 2005 with WEPN radio in New York City, following which he contributed to Fox Sports Radio and twice hosted shows on Sirius/XM. His stints on ESPN Radio further added to his repertoire, cementing him as a dominant figure in sports talk radio.

Controversy

Smith’s blunt commentary style has stirred numerous controversies, underlining his unwavering and unapologetic approach to media discourse.

Connected to an NFL player and his wife, a case of domestic violence emerged, resulting in a brief suspension of the commentator. Stirring controversy, Stephen A. Smith suggested racial prejudice influencing an NFL coach’s decisions. Furthermore, the same commentator faced backlash for making belittling comments post watching a women’s soccer highlight reel during the FIFA World Cup.

Personal Life

Stephen A. Smith, never wedded, has two daughters who are a year apart in age, with limited public information about them. Maintaining secrecy about his personal life, Smith has not disclosed details about his dating life, although there have been rumors of an engagement.