Cable networks are fighting to stay relevant. Just like newspapers gave way to TV, TV is bowing to the era of cellular data. But survival is all about adapting. And no one’s playing the game better than ESPN. With Stephen A. Smith leading the charge as their fiery superstar, the network isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving and chasing a future brighter than ever!

Bryan Curtis sat to discuss the pressing matters of sports and media with SI Media’s Jimmy Traina. The speakers talked about how ESPN’s president Jimmy Pitaro has made way for the organization’s long-term survival. Who’s at the helm of all the plans? Stephen A. Smith. With ESPN joining Disney+ and SAS getting a $120 million contract extension, the ex-attorney is aiming for something bigger. Moreover, Pat McAfee is also under Pitaro’s umbrella for the big plans ahead.

Curtis noted: “I do give Jimmy Pitaro a lot of credit. He’s supposedly the one who came up with the idea to license Inside the NBA. And that seemed to be a great solution—helps ESPN, and prevents Amazon or NBC from getting those people or the show dissolving.” 

“And I, you know, someone’s writing a check at Disney. But I give Jimmy Pitaro credit for basically saying, ‘Listen, we’re going to get as many stars as we can. We’re going to become this network full of stars.'” Jimmy Pitaro is undoubtedly chasing the stars. Signing a major deal with Disney+, re-signing SAS, and adding Pat McAfee- looks like the boss is cooking something. “Joe and Troy, you mentioned earlier. McAfee, you mentioned earlier. They re-signed Stephen A. I mean, I don’t see how you can fault them for re-signing Stephen A. and going all out for the stars.”, he said.

SAS has been the centerpiece for ESPN for a while now. So, despite the organization’s “there are still some things to be resolved”  claims, Smith’s re-signing seemed quite inevitable. Besides, adding Pat McAfee to the list of elites for a $85 million contract seems like a master plan revolving around keeping ESPN at the center of attention for consumers across the globe.

Besides, whatever reason it was that kept Stephen A. Smith with the broadcasting giants, Jimmy Pitaro should be thankful to them. Otherwise, imagine, the president making plans around the analyst and he goes away! Disaster, right?

Stephen A. Smith’s smart move to stay with ESPN

There have been rumors about SAS getting multiple offers from some of the big names around sports broadcasting. However, his decision to stay with ESPN is turning out to be the best choice. Why? The org is retaining its priced possession which brings three decades of experience. Besides, Stephen A. Smith gets to earn $20 million a month!

“I would think Stephen A had many, many offers because of the way the media landscape is now. Because you have the gambling companies, you have Spotify, Netflix, some, you know, anything. So I think it’s smart for him to stay at ESPN.” Bryan Curtis opines. “I think it’s smart for ESPN to re-sign him. As you said, I mean, the first thing is about two hours, ten to two. So, I mean, it’s ten hours of TV right there that he’s giving them good ratings and he’s available for anything.”

Jimmy Traina and Bryan Curtis further gave examples of other broadcasters like FS1- talk about oblivion! “That’s ESPN’s thing. There are so many places in cable right now that you feel are just ghost ships,” Bryan chipped in. Over the years, FS1 users have had several complaints about their broadcasting, and maybe ESPN took lessons from their rival’s woes and molded themselves to fit in better. And this might be one of the reasons why they continue to do well in the current media scenes.

Of course, Stephen A. Smith’s priceless contribution is not limited to a particular organization. A veteran analyst like himself adds value to the sport. Even though he can be a bit unfiltered at times, viewers thoroughly wait for his banters to come in. Besides, Pat McAfee’s inclusion in ESPN and Jimmy Pitaro’s $205 million investment aims for the bigger picture, which links them for a greater future ahead.