ESPN and Stephen A. Smith are reportedly close to terms on a new contract, per Brian Steinberg of Variety. "The two sides, who have been in negotiations

ESPN’s initial offer was for $18 million per year. The two sides also discussed both five- and six-year options for the length of contract.

There is no question that Stephen A. Smith is one of the most important and controversial sports commentators in the industry and people will see him on ESPN for much longer. A rep

Stephen A. Smith is nearing a new deal with Disney/ESPN, and a current proposal would give him even more influence within the larger Disney empire according to a report by Variety. Brian Steinberg reports that the monthslong negotiations could culminate in a new deal over the "next several weeks" and that the deal could include a "first-look" arrangement with Disney.

Smith has been candid about wanting to be the highest-paid talent at ESPN after the network signed deals with Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pat McAfee that had leapfrogged him. In June, Puck’s John Ourand reported that ESPN initially offered Smith $18 million a year and that he was seeking $25 million annually.

ESPN and Stephen A. Smith are close to hammering out a new contract that will give the popular Disney sports personality potential access to other parts of the Magic Kingdom. The two sides, who have been in negotiations for several months,

ESPN has done a good job in recent years of making sure its highest-profile talent sticks around, and over the last few months, that meant dealing with the fact that Stephen A. Smith ‘s contract is up in 2025.

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith made it known that he expects to receive a lucrative contract offer from the network. "I expect to get paid," Smith said. "... If it comes to a decision where I have to move on,