“I know that when ESPN is making money, I’m a big part of it. And if Disney or ESPN are losing money, it ain’t because of me,” Stephen A. Smith had boasted last month as conversations around his contract negotiations continue to heighten. With an already impressive five-year, $60 million deal, that once was the highest in network history, critics opined he was at the edge of the threshold. But apparently Smith has continued standing up for himself—he reportedly turned down a $90 million offer with the network in June. His ask? A cool $25 million per year.

And there’s many who’d definitely vouch for that pay for the ESPN veteran, including former NBA star Gilbert Arenas. But before we get to that part, let’s understand what makes Smith deserving of that contract…

For starters, he’s good at what everybody wants. Ratings. Smith and Molly Qerim’s morning debate show ‘First Take’ achieved its 21st consecutive month of year-over-year growth in April this year, and a 12% YoY growth, averaging 482,000 per show as compared to 45,000 viewers on the morning of the 2024 NFL Draft for Skip Bayless’ Undisputed. He’s also credited as the figure that made the show even better by bringing in fresh talent like Shannon Sharpe and Chris Russo, among others. And then there’s the team player factor that keeps him a notch above his colleagues (read: Pat McAfee).

If sources are to be believed, ESPN’s top dogs love how Smith likes to follow the rules. McAfee, on the other hand, has always seemed to have an affinity for ruffling some feathers—he invites ESPN’s rival The Athletic’s Shams Charania on his show, calls his colleague and recently retired veteran Adrian Wojnarowski “the other NBA guy” and once even called WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark a “white b****”. 

Then there was the infamous monologue where he called former ESPN executive Norby Williamson a “rat”. So it’s understandable how Smith might appeal to the network’s management.

Even Gilbert and his Arenas crew, as expected, are in full support. “Since we are in the industry now, we would, we have to cheer him on to get it ($100 million).” Gilbert Arenas backed his fellow analyst on Gil’s Arena.” Again, he’s number one for 12 years right, so he’s the apex of this world we’re in. So we need him to get paid so we can just compare numbers. That’s all it is at the end of the day. What is the market? If the market is $25 million, we all get the follow that stream and that’s all this is.”

This came in reaction to the clip of Smith taking about his contract. “I expect to get paid,” he had asserted earlier this month. “Right now and over the course of the last 12 years, I have been the champion in this industry, and all I’m asking folks to do is pay homage to the champion,” the veteran further added. But what happens if ESPN fails to meet its top star’s demands?

Reports state Smith will reportedly go independent. Some even suggest he might move to Monday Night Football, while others say Smith will look to grow his YouTube and podcasting career. While we know what makes Smith’s case so strong, Arenas also had his points to make….

Gilbert Arenas reasons why Stephen A. Smith would receive a $100 Million deal

Later on Gil’s Arena, the Wizards star gave his reasons why ESPN would meet Smith’s demand. Because the analyst has his own platform which could attract a lot of people. Plus, the $24 Billion network would want to avoid making the veteran media personality a competitor.

“Somebody like Shannon, he has Club Shay Shay, he has Night Cap, so no matter what you do to him he still has big platform that he survives.” Arenas continued, “Stephen A Smith got smart and built his own platform. Then it’s going to take a year, two years. If you don’t pay him that, he’s going to go here pull full time in there seven days a week, talk about whatever the fu** he wants and he’s gonna draw you out.”

Once Smith achieves that, even some of the sponsors would think twice about going to ESPN.  So, according to Arenas, it’s a just matter of time when Smith gets his payday. Currently, Troy Aikman has a $90 million, 5-year contract, and Pat McAfee reportedly signed a $85 million deal 5-year deal. So Smith wants to top them all, after all, he claims to be the standard bearer.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”