Uncertainty over Stephen A. Smith’s future as top ESPN executive says ‘there’s wealth of talented people out there’

ESPN seems to think it will do just fine if Stephen A. Smith leaves the network.

The outspoken sportscaster, who enters the last year of his current deal, is said to be demanding a contract worth $25 million per year – $7 million more than the initial offer he received.

Getty

Getty

Smith ‘s well-documented desire to be the Disney-owned sports media giant’s highest-paid talent again sparked questions over his future.

ESPN’s president of content Burke Magnus only added to the uncertainty surrounding Stephen A., 56, in a recent appearance on Richard Deitsch’s Sports Media Podcast .

Asked if the network has a replacement plan for shows the sportscaster headlines, like First Take , Magnus said they would come up with one if necessary.

“Not specifically, but First Take would continue, obviously,” he said . “We’d figure that out.

“The great part about the environment that we live in … there is a wealth of talented people out there who, if given the chance, I think could also become superstars very easily on our platform.

“The format of First Take I think lends to that.

“It’s already an ensemble situation in many ways.

“So, I don’t worry about that at all.”

Magnus said he was “optimistic” about keeping Stephen A. at ESPN, though.

The executive pointed out that the network is the perfect environment for big personalities like Smith to thrive considering its relevance and reach.

“There’s a value to that for people,” he said.

“I’m optimistic because I think it’s a mutually beneficial situation, and I think both sides realize that, and this is just the dance we have to dance.”

Magnus emphasized Smith’s value to the company while lauding his commitment and work ethic.

He called Stephen A. a “bona fide superstar” who gets people highly interested in everything he does.

Stephen A. Smith's journey through media

STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and an executive producer on First Take having initially started working for the company back in 2003.

Smith has held various roles with the network, including hosting radio shows, SportsCenter contributions, and appearing on NBA Countdown.

He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.

His began as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.

Before that, Smith worked as a reporter with Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News, and the New York Daily News.

“First Take, which is his primary assignment, is a juggernaut,” the ESPN exec said.

“I think we’re going to get 24 straight months of month-over-month, year-over-year audience growth.

“That just doesn’t happen in today’s world. It happens because he’s built this show.”

At the same time, Magnus suggested that Smith’s valuation is different than Joe Buck ‘s or Troy Aikman’s – ESPN’s highest-paid stars – because, unlike them, he’s not game talent.

“Studio [shows] Monday through Friday, daytime studio, it’s different,” he said.

“There’s a different calculus there, for sure. But again … [Smith is] the best there is right now.”