Stephen A. Smith is set to expand his media presence into politics with the launch of a Sirius XM talk show while a new report says the ESPN star now earns roughly $40 million a year from his combined media ventures.
A report in The Athletic published ahead of the show's debut Monday said Smith — 57 — receives a base of about $33 million in annual compensation that reaches roughly $40 million once revenue from his YouTube channel and podcast are included. The report noted Smith signed a new ESPN contract in March worth about $105 million and that his Sirius XM agreement has an overall value of about $36 million.
The new Sirius XM program, titled Straight Shooter with Stephen A, launched Wednesday night and positions Smith more directly in political debate than his long-running sports commentary role. Smith has increasingly mixed political and cultural commentary into his work across television, radio and digital platforms.
Speaking at a debate in New York with OutKick founder Clay Travis this week, Smith acknowledged public speculation about a potential run for office but said he has no desire to become a politician. "I have no desire whatsoever to be a politician," he told the audience, according to accounts of the event, while adding that friends, religious leaders and industry colleagues have encouraged him to "keep an open mind" given the country's political trajectory.
The Athletic pointed out that a U.S. president's $400,000 annual salary would be a substantial reduction from Smith's reported media income. Smith has also publicly discussed his political leanings, describing himself as fiscally and economically aligned with Republican principles while saying he cast a ballot for Kamala Harris in the most recent election. He has praised aspects of former President Donald Trump's second term and criticized President Joe Biden at times, demonstrating a willingness to critique and commend figures across the political spectrum.
Media executives and analysts note that commentators who straddle entertainment and politics can reach large audiences and command significant compensation, but they also face challenges in maintaining consistent content across multiple platforms. Smith's television role at ESPN, his podcast and his new Sirius XM program represent overlapping outlets that will broadcast his commentary to different audiences.
Smith's move comes as several high-profile media figures have broadened their portfolios to include political programming on radio, streaming and social platforms. The Athletic's report and the timing of his Sirius XM debut underscore how personality-driven media can translate into lucrative multi-platform deals.
Representatives for Smith, ESPN and Sirius XM did not immediately provide additional comment on the reported figures. The Athletic's reporting is the basis for the compensation totals; financial terms in media contracts can be structured with a mix of guaranteed pay, production budgets and revenue-sharing components tied to advertising and digital monetization.
Smith's new program will add to an already substantial media presence, and industry observers will be watching how his expanded political commentary is received by audiences and advertisers across the differing constituencies he reaches through sports and political media.