(Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
It’s not only NBA athletes who work hard to get jaw-dropping contract extensions.
Sports analysts also strive to get as much money as they can when they are working out new deals with networks.
Stephen A. Smith is perhaps the biggest face in sports analysis and he wants his next contract to reflect that.
According to Michael McCarthy, via NBACentral, Smith may demand $20 million annually on his next contract with ESPN.
Smith feels he deserves a lot of money for his work but he’s also wanting to do even more for the channel.
McCarthy is reporting that Smith wants to not only cover the NBA but also put more effort into speaking about the NFL.
Stephen A. Smith could demand $20M annually on his next contract with ESPN and look to cover the NBA and the NFL, per @MMcCarthyREV
“My sources tell me that giving Smith the green light for more direct NFL coverage could be a key negotiating point in his contract talks this… pic.twitter.com/L25lQnegN7
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 20, 2024
Smith is someone who knows a lot about just about every sport and he doesn’t only comment on the NBA.
He gives insight into the NBA, NFL, and even other sports leagues too.
If his new contract is signed, Smith could be making a lot of money and on TV much more often.
This would be good news for his fans, who love Smith’s brand of high-energy and sometimes combative opinions.
He isn’t afraid to share his thoughts, sometimes quite loudly, and that is part of what makes him such a big star.
ESPN has been losing a lot of talent lately and they are trying to retain multiple core stars to keep the network moving forward into next season and beyond.
With this new contract, Smith could become the face of ESPN and may be involved in a lot more content.
Some people want Smith to stick strictly to basketball but if he and ESPN hash out a new deal, he could be talking about way more than just the NBA.
The post Details Emerge About Stephen A. Smith’s Next Potential ESPN Contract appeared first on The Cold Wire.