The money was never in doubt, according to Stephen A. Smith, of his just-announced new 5-year, $100M contract.

ESPN has reportedly secured another contract with one of its biggest faces. The network has agreed to a five-year deal with Stephen A. Smith that is reportedly worth at least $100 million, per The Athletic's Andrew Marchand.

Stephen A. Smith—one of the most recognizable figures in sports media—has agreed to a new deal to remain with ESPN for at least the next five years. According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Smith has agreed to a new lucrative deal with ESPN that will pay him at least $100 million over the next five years.

According to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, Smith agreed with ESPN on a new $100 million contract for the next five years. Smith — who previously made $12 million per year — would see a pay bump along with more opportunities to discuss politics on other networks.

ESPN has struck a new five year pact with sportscaster Stephen A. Smith that will pay him $20 million a year to keep hosting 'First Take'

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Stephen A Smith landed a new $100 million contract with ESPN on Thursday, which will keep him there for five years.

Smith's role across the network is going to change to a significant degree, as Marchand reported that Smith will be less prominent outside of his traditional morning show vehicle "First Take," which he initially helped popularize alongside Skip Bayless and eventually rode to the top of the sports media industry.

ESPN talent Stephen A. Smith has signed a lucrative contract extension with the company, per a report from Andrew Marchand.

The 56-year-old is already a popular podcaster and ESPN host, working on such programs as First Take and the network's NBA coverage. Furthermore, he has his own podcast.