When you think of ESPN, Stephen A. Smith is either the first or second name to come to mind, especially considering his significant activity on the sports broadcast network over the last 10 years.
The New York Knicks fan is currently in contract negotiations with the “worldwide leader in sports” and knows his worth. Will ESPN re-sign Smith, or will the major Knicks fan take his ball elsewhere?
While many Knicks fans dispute the legitimacy of Smith’s claims about the New York franchise’s fandom, one thing is certain: when he’s focused on the Knicks, he can derail a whole show.
During the 2024 playoffs, the ESPN NBA product received major criticism during Knicks games, especially during the Eastern Conference semifinal against the Indiana Pacers. During Game 7’s festivities, Smith completely ripped the Knicks at halftime but failed to comment on the Pacers’ impressive efforts in blowing out the Madison Square Garden host.
Nonetheless, such attention towards the Knicks could go elsewhere in light of Smith’s recent commentary regarding the ESPN contract negotiations.
Smith drew the line in the sand, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
“I want to get paid. When you’ve been No. 1 for 12 years, well what the hell that warrant?” Smith said.
Smith presented his case for his claims of accomplishments for ESPN by stating that First Take generates “10 times as much revenue as when he started hosting the show in 2012.”
ESPN recently signed significant contracts to Troy Aikman and Joe Buck, as well as to polarizing figure Pat McAfee.
While markets change, Smith understands his value and won’t accept any less than what he’s calculated.
“If it comes to a decision where I have to move on, I prepared myself mentally and emotionally to be able to do that,” Smith said. “I don’t want it to come to that because I am very happy at ESPN doing what I do. … If somebody wants you bad enough, they show you.”
Ultimately, wherever Smith goes, his Knicks fandom will follow. However, both parties have nine months to figure out the contract dispute.
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