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Report: Stephen A. Smith to Make Almost $8 Million Per Year With New ESPN Deal

Stephen A. Smith signs new deal with ESPN

Stephen A. Smith will reportedly earn nearly $8 million per year as part of a new five-year contract with ESPN, according to the New York Post's Andrew Marchand

The reported deal will make Smith ESPN's highest-paid sportscaster, passing Mike Greenberg's $6.5 million annual salary. Smith, 52, has a year left on his current contract. As part of the alleged new deal, the animated host will leave his ESPN Radio show next year.

Marchand reported earlier this year that Smith could see a raise "in the $8 million-to-$10 million range." 

According to Marchand, Smith will continue hosting First Take while adding more appointment viewing opportunities on SportsCenter. ESPN already announced that Smith will host his own edition of the program at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays before NBA games. The network is also reportedly interested in finding a way to utilize Smith on its subscription platform, ESPN+.

Smith joined ESPN in 2005, working as a weekday radio host while writing for The Philadelphia Inquirer.