Stephen A. Smith (born October 14, 1967) is an American sports television personality, radio host, and sports journalist. He is widely recognized as an NBA analyst for ESPN, appearing on SportsCenter, NBA Countdown, and ESPN’s NBA broadcasts.
Smith also hosts The Stephen A. Smith Show on ESPN Radio and is a commentator on First Take, alongside Molly Qerim. Additionally, he is a featured columnist for ESPN and The Philadelphia Inquirer, contributing to sports coverage and analysis.
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Stephen A. Smith Net Worth
Stephen A. Smith has a net worth of $25 million and earns $13 million annually from ESPN. Known for his appearances on various ESPN programs, his salary was $5 million per year until April 2019, when he signed a deal worth $8 million annually, becoming the highest-paid ESPN personality.
In March 2020, Tony Romo surpassed him with a $17 million deal. In June 2024, Smith turned down an ESPN offer of $90 million over five years, aiming for $25 million per year instead.
Early life
Stephen A. Smith was born in the Bronx, New York City, and raised in the Hollis section of Queens. The youngest of six children, he lost his older brother, Basil, in a car accident in 1992. His parents were from Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Smith attended Thomas Edison High School in Queens and later received a basketball scholarship to Winston-Salem State University, where he played under Clarence Gaines. His career ended due to injury. He graduated in 1991 with a degree in mass communication.
Career
Stephen A. Smith’s journalism career began at the Winston-Salem Journal, followed by roles at Greensborough News and Record and the New York Daily News. His major breakthrough came with The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he became an NBA writer and later a general sports columnist.
In 2008, he was let go, but won a lawsuit to be rehired. Smith joined ESPN in 2003, gaining fame on First Take. He also ventured into acting, radio, and commercials, becoming one of ESPN’s highest-paid personalities.
Personal Life
Stephen A. Smith has never been married. He has two daughters, who are a year apart in age, but little is known about them. Smith is known for being tight-lipped about his dating life, and while it has been rumored that he was once engaged, he has not publicly shared details about any relationships.
Why is Stephen A Smith so famous?
Stephen A. Smith is famous for his role on First Take, ESPN’s flagship morning sports debate show. A New York native, Smith has gained significant recognition for his outspoken opinions and dynamic personality. In recent years, he has taken creative control of the show and expanded his influence beyond sports with his own eponymous show, which airs on social media and ESPN.
Conclusion
Stephen A. Smith’s ability to blend entertainment with sports analysis has made him an iconic figure in sports journalism. With a net worth that speaks volumes, he continues to influence the sports media landscape while earning millions.
FAQs about Stephen A. Smith’s Net Worth
- How did Stephen A. Smith build his net worth?
- Smith’s net worth was built through his salaries from ESPN, his radio shows, acting roles, and likely smart investments and savings.
- What is Stephen A. Smith’s salary from ESPN?
- As of 2023, Smith earns $13 million per year from ESPN.
- Has Stephen A. Smith’s net worth been affected by controversies?
- While controversies may have caused temporary setbacks, they have not significantly impacted his overall net worth.
- Does Stephen A. Smith have any endorsements?
- Smith has appeared in commercials, such as those for Oberto beef jerky, which likely contribute to his earnings.
- How does Stephen A. Smith’s salary compare to other sports commentators?
- Smith is one of the highest-paid sports commentators, with a salary that was only recently surpassed by Tony Romo’s deal with CBS.
