Stephen A. Smith leveraging Pat McAfee for huge contract?
Dec 18, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith broadcasts before a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Stephen A. Smith is seeking his next big contract from ESPN. Pat McAfee may be a factor in what kind of money Smith ultimately can get.
Smith’s existing contract with the “Worldwide Leader” expires next July. The 56-year-old has been vocal about his desire to receive a significant raise from his current $12 million salary.
Smith has earned “plenty of respect from ESPN management,” according to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports. Smith has reportedly gotten in ESPN’s good graces, which has been in contrast to McAfee and his “bad-boy antics.” McAfee has publicly called out an ESPN executive in the past.
The feeling may be that Smith is seen as a good company man, which could position him to earn more than the $17 million per year McAfee receives from ESPN. ESPN “Monday Night Football” announcers Troy Aikman ($18 million) and Joe Buck ($15 million) both also make big money.
Smith is angling to land a deal that would leapfrog everyone else at ESPN.
