It’s been almost a year since Tom Brady retired from football. Since then, he’s been really busy before he enters into the world of sports television. Just before retiring, he signed a huge 10-year contract with Fox Sports, leading to many comparisons with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
Smith has been in the game for a long time, mastering his skills as an NBA analyst. Also, his contract is reportedly up for renewal in 2024, with speculations suggesting he may receive a huge raise. So, is Smith earning more than the GOAT? Let’s compare and find out who’s the highest-paid sports analyst.
Tom Brady’s voice is worth millions
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Tom Brady’s $375 million deal to become the lead analyst for Fox Sports was announced in May 2022, but he hasn’t jumped into his new role yet. In an earlier episode of his podcast, “Let’s Go,” he mentioned that he will be on Fox next year (meaning 2024). This means now, it’s almost time for the former quarterback of the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to make his television comeback.
Tom Brady’s deal with Fox Sports is set to earn him more money than he made playing football. His contract, worth $375 million over 10 years, is expected to surpass his total earnings from his playing days, which amounted to $332.9 million. Additionally, he has also taken on a role as a strategic advisor at Delta Air Lines and has been involved in other business ventures and owning sports teams.
Brady is also looking into owning a stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, although the deal is currently paused. With all these endorsements and financial achievements, his being compared to Stephen A. Smith was a given.
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Can Smith catch Brady’s salary?
Stephen A. Smith is a household name in the world of sports television. For over a decade, he has been at the forefront of discussing and debating various sports topics. Despite his extensive experience and undeniable influence in the industry, Smith’s current salary with ESPN is estimated to be around $12 million per year.
However, this figure pales in comparison to the earnings of some of ESPN’s other top personalities, such as Troy Aikman and Joe Buck, who have surpassed Smith in terms of annual income. Smith has also openly expressed his belief that he is underpaid, especially considering his significant contributions to ESPN’s success.
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With his contract reportedly up for negotiation in 2024, Smith has made it clear that he aims to secure a more lucrative deal, aspiring to become the highest-paid talent at the network. The sports broadcasting landscape is also changing, with deals like Tom Brady’s TV venture reshaping the market. Therefore, all eyes are on Smith’s negotiation with ESPN. Will he succeed in securing the substantial contract he desires? Share your thoughts below.