Net Worth Ranker
What Is Stephen A. Smith’s Net Worth?
Stephen A. Smith, a prominent figure in American sports media, has accumulated a net worth of $25 million as of 2025. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his extensive career in television, radio, and print journalism, where he has consistently held high-profile positions and secured lucrative contracts.
Stephen A. Smith’s Salary and Contract Details
Smith’s annual salary from ESPN is $13 million. Before a contract renewal, his salary was $5 million per year until April 2019. In mid-April 2019, he negotiated a new deal with ESPN, increasing his earnings to $8 million per year, positioning him briefly as the highest-paid personality at ESPN and among sports broadcasters globally. This title was surpassed in March 2020 when Tony Romo signed a contract with CBS for $17 million annually.
In June 2024, Smith declined a contract extension from ESPN valued at $90 million over five years. The proposed contract would have averaged $18 million per year. Smith reportedly turned down the offer, seeking a salary of $25 million per year, reflecting his perception of his market value and contributions to ESPN’s programming.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in the Bronx, New York, in 1967, Stephen A. Smith was raised in a family of seven children. His father owned a hardware store after a background as a notable basketball and baseball player. Smith’s early exposure to sports and his interest in basketball led him to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology for a year before transferring to Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) on a basketball scholarship. He played basketball under the guidance of coach Clarence Gaines.
While at WSSU, Smith wrote for the university newspaper and, during his final years, controversially advocated for Gaines’ retirement due to health concerns. He graduated in 1991.
Smith’s journalism career began with a position at the Winston-Salem Journal as a clerk in the sports department. This role served as a stepping stone to jobs at the Greensboro News and Record and the New York Daily News. His breakthrough came when he joined The Philadelphia Inquirer, initially covering the Philadelphia 76ers as an NBA writer.
At The Philadelphia Inquirer, Smith advanced to the position of general sports columnist. Despite his popularity, the newspaper terminated his employment in 2008. Smith later won a court case against The Philadelphia Inquirer, resulting in his reinstatement and a mandate to remove political and personal views from his content.
ESPN Career and Media Appearances
Smith’s association with ESPN began in 2003 as an analyst for NBA Shootaround, which later became NBA Countdown. In 2005, he hosted his own show, Quite Frankly With Stephen A. Smith, which was canceled in 2007. He also hosted The Stephen A. Smith Show. He is known for his role on ESPN’s First Take, which he joined in 2012. Smith has also appeared on other ESPN shows, including Dream Job, Pardon the Interruption, Jim Rome is Burning, and Sportscenter.
In 2014, Smith signed a contract with ESPN that paid him $3 million per year. From 2015 to April 2019, his salary was $5 million per year. In April 2019, he signed a new contract with ESPN that paid him between $8 million and $10 million per year until 2021. He currently earns $13 million per year with the network. Smith’s contract terms have established him as one of ESPN’s highest-paid personalities.
Acting and Radio Career
Stephen A. Smith has appeared in acting roles, including appearances on General Hospital. In 2007, he appeared in the movie I Think I Love My Wife by Chris Rock. Smith also appeared in Oberto beef jerky commercials and made a cameo in Creed III in 2023.
Throughout his career, Smith has been involved in Talk Radio. He began with WEPN radio in New York City in 2005. The second half of the show was broadcast on ESPN Radio. In 2009, Smith contributed to Fox Sports Radio, hosting their morning show. In 2013, Smith left ESPN radio to join Chris Russo’s Mad Dog Sports Channel on Sirius/XM. In 2017, Smith moved back to ESPN, with the show hosted on Sirius/XM. From 2015 to 2019, he earned $1 million per year from his Sirius/XM radio show.
Controversies and Public Image
Stephen A. Smith is recognized for his outspoken and direct commentary, which has occasionally led to controversies. A notable incident involved comments on domestic violence related to an NFL player and his wife, resulting in a suspension. He also faced criticism for suggesting racial prejudice in an NFL coach’s decisions and for remarks about women’s soccer during the FIFA World Cup.
Personal Life
Stephen A. Smith has never been married and has two daughters. Details about his personal life, including his dating history, are not widely publicized. He has mentioned being previously engaged.
