Stephen A. Smith Net Worth 2024: his Earning Source

Stephen A. Smith is a well-known sports media personality who has built an impressive net worth over the course of his career. As of 2024, Stephen A. Smith Net Worth is estimated to be around $24 million to $28 million, making him one of the highest-paid personalities in the sports media industry.

Stephen A. Smith Net Worth Growth

Year	Net Worth
2024	$24-28 Million
2023	$22 Million
2022	$20 Million
2021	$18 Million
2020	$17 Million

Salary and Contract

Stephen A. Smith’s current salary with ESPN is estimated to be around $12 million to $13 million per year, with an additional $4 million production contract. In 2019, he signed a five-year contract extension with ESPN worth an estimated $12 million per year.

However, in June 2024, it was reported that Smith turned down a $90 million contract offer from ESPN, which would have paid him an average of $18 million per year. He is reportedly seeking a deal that would pay him $25 million per year, which he believes better reflects his value to the network.

Sources of Income

Stephen A. Smith’s net worth comes from various sources, including:

ESPN Salary

As mentioned earlier, Smith’s primary source of income is his salary from ESPN, which is estimated to be around $12-13 million per year.

Endorsements and Investments

While Smith has not disclosed his investments publicly, it’s likely that he has invested in various assets over the years, including real estate. In 2018, he purchased a $7.35 million apartment in New York City.

Writing and Books

Smith has also earned income from writing and books. In January 2024, he released a memoir called “Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes,” which was marketed and distributed by his own production company.

Acting and Other Projects

Smith has also earned income from acting roles, including cameos in the soap opera “General Hospital” and the movie “Creed III.” He also launched an independent show called “The Stephen A. Smith Show” in 2022, which is available on various podcast platforms and YouTube.

Early Life and Career

Stephen A. Smith was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1967. He grew up in a family of seven children and received a basketball scholarship to attend Winston-Salem State University, where he played under coach Clarence Gaines.

After college, Smith began his career in journalism, working as a writer and columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer in the early 1990s. He gained prominence for his reporting on the Philadelphia 76ers and other local sports teams.

Rise to Fame

Smith’s big break came in 2003 when he joined ESPN as a regular commentator and analyst on various shows, including “SportsCenter,” “NFL Live,” and “NBA Shootaround.” He quickly gained a reputation as one of the network’s most outspoken and controversial personalities, thanks to his passionate and opinionated commentary on a wide range of sports topics.

In 2005, Smith hosted his own show called “The Stephen A. Smith Show” on ESPN Radio, which he would host several other similar radio shows throughout the next nearly two decades.

First Take and Beyond

Smith’s career reached new heights in 2012 when he joined ESPN’s popular sports talk show, “First Take,” where he regularly discusses the latest news and controversies in the world of sports. He has also worked as an NBA analyst and reporter and has covered a wide range of sports throughout his career.

In addition to his work on “First Take,” Smith has appeared on many other ESPN shows, including “Dream Job,” “Pardon the Interruption,” “Jim Rome is Burning,” and “SportsCenter.” He has also taken on acting roles, including cameos in “General Hospital” and “Creed III”.

Controversy and Impact

Throughout his career, Smith has been known for his controversial and outspoken style, which has sometimes landed him in hot water. However, his ability to generate buzz and attract viewers has made him an invaluable asset to ESPN.

Despite the criticism he has faced, Smith’s impact on the sports media landscape is undeniable. He has helped to shape the way sports are discussed and analyzed on television, and his ability to engage and entertain viewers has made him one of the most recognizable faces in the industry.

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith’s net worth of $24-28 million is a testament to his success and influence in the sports media industry. From his humble beginnings as a writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer to his current status as one of the highest-paid personalities on ESPN, Smith has proven that hard work, talent, and a willingness to take risks can lead to great success.

As he continues to negotiate his contract with ESPN and explore new opportunities, it will be interesting to see how Smith’s net worth and influence evolve in the coming years. One thing is certain: he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of sports media for years to come.

FAQs

What is Stephen A. Smith’s net worth in 2024?

Stephen A. Smith’s net worth is estimated to be around $24 million to $28 million as of 2024.

How much does Stephen A. Smith earn per year?

Stephen A. Smith’s current salary with ESPN is estimated to be around $12 million to $13 million per year, with an additional $4 million production contract.

What are Stephen A. Smith’s main sources of income?

Stephen A. Smith’s main sources of income include his ESPN salary, endorsements, investments, writing and books, and acting roles.

Did Stephen A. Smith turn down a contract offer from ESPN?

Yes, in June 2024, it was reported that Smith turned down a $90 million contract offer from ESPN, which would have paid him an average of $18 million per year. He is reportedly seeking a deal that would pay him $25 million per year.

Where did Stephen A. Smith start his career?

Stephen A. Smith began his career in journalism as a writer and columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer in the early 1990s.