Stephen A. Smith has secured a massive new contract with ESPN worth at least $100 million over five years. While this deal keeps him as the face of First Take, it reduces his other commitments. Smith will no longer be a regular on NBA Countdown, allowing him more flexibility. This contract extension gives Stephen A Smith time to expand his media presence beyond sports—especially into politics.
Stephen A. Smith Makes Interest In Politics ‘Clear’ With Contract Details
Smith has never shied away from discussing political issues. His takes on former President Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris, and other key figures have sparked national conversations. With fewer ESPN obligations, he now has even more opportunities to engage in political discourse.
Smith’s Growing Political Presence
Smith has been making more political appearances in recent years. He has spoken on Fox News with Sean Hannity, debated policy on The Stephen A. Smith Show, and hinted at potential political aspirations. While he downplays a 2028 presidential run, his name has surfaced in Democratic nominee betting markets.
Kalshi, a political prediction market, lists Smith with a 7.00% chance of securing the Democratic nomination. That puts him in the same conversation as established politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Gretchen Whitmer. More surprisingly, Smith ranks ahead of Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, and Raphael Warnock.
Despite these odds, Smith remains hesitant. He has stated he would only consider the presidency if he could skip the grueling campaign process. His reluctance suggests he isn’t serious about running—yet his rising political profile says otherwise.
Transferable Skills for Politics
Smith’s skills in sports media translate well to politics. He commands attention, delivers passionate speeches, and knows how to control a debate. In an era where social media dominates political discourse, his ability to engage audiences is a major advantage.
Outsiders have succeeded in politics before. Ronald Reagan went from Hollywood actor to governor, then president. Donald Trump leveraged reality TV fame into a White House victory. Smith possesses the charisma and media presence needed to make a similar transition.
Even if he never runs for president, he could explore other political roles. A congressional seat, a governorship, or even a cabinet position are all possibilities. His influence and connections give him leverage to enter the political world on his own terms.
Clashing With Political Experts
Not everyone takes Smith’s political ambitions seriously. Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville harshly criticized Smith’s political takes. On his Politicon podcast, Carville dismissed Smith’s views, saying, “When it comes to politics, he don’t know his ass from a hole in the ground.”
Smith, never one to back down from a challenge, fired back on his own podcast. He questioned Carville’s credibility and hinted that if he focused on politics, he could shake things up. This exchange highlights how Smith’s political influence is already creating waves.
The Future of Stephen A. Smith in Politics
Smith’s contract with ESPN gives him the financial security to explore new opportunities. He has built a dominant media empire, and politics could be his next frontier. His name is already circulating in Democratic discussions, and his influence continues to grow.
Whether he runs for office or remains a political commentator, Smith’s presence in political conversations is undeniable. He has the platform, the skills, and the ambition to shape debates at the highest level. While a 2028 presidential bid remains unlikely, Stephen A Smith’s contract shows that he is clearly positioning himself for a future in politics.
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
