Stephen A. Smith Net Worth 2024: Age, Bio, Spouse, Height, & Facts
Stephen A. Smith has a net worth of approximately $25 million. He’s a well-known sports commentator, journalist, and television personality famous for his bold opinions and lively debates on ESPN’s “First Take.” With years of experience in sports journalism, he’s built a strong reputation that attracts millions of viewers.
His career began as a writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, where he covered various sports. Over time, Stephen A. transitioned to television, becoming one of the most recognized faces in sports media. His engaging style and knowledge have not only earned him fans but also significant financial success throughout his career.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Stephen A. Smith’s net worth as of 2024 ranges between $24 million and $25 million. Different sources provide slightly varying figures, with CelebrityNetWorth estimating his wealth at about $25 million, while Pinkvilla places it at around $24 million.
His income comes from multiple sources, primarily from his work with ESPN. In the past, before April 2019, he earned an annual salary of $5 million. After signing a new contract in mid-April 2019, his salary increased to $8 million, making him one of the highest-paid personalities at ESPN. By 2023, Stephen A.’s annual earnings rose even further to approximately $13 million.
Recently, he turned down a significant contract offer from ESPN worth $90 million over five years, which would average out to about $18 million per year. Instead, he is seeking a deal that pays him around $25 million per year, showcasing his strong position in sports media negotiations.
Overall, Stephen A. Smith’s success stems from his long career in sports journalism and broadcast television, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the industry.
Wiki Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephen Anthony Smith |
| Date of Birth | October 14, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Bronx, New York |
| Raised In | Hollis, Queens |
| High School | Thomas Edison High School |
| College Education | Fashion Institute of Technology; Winston-Salem State University (basketball scholarship) |
| Career Start | Started in print media with Winston-Salem Journal, Greensboro News and Record, and New York Daily News |
| Current Employer | ESPN |
| Net Worth (2024) | Approximately $25 million |
| Annual Salary | About $13 million |
| Recent Contract Offer | Turned down a $90 million deal over five years |
Stephen A. Smith is known for his strong opinions in sports commentary. Born on October 14, 1967, he grew up in the Bronx before moving to Queens. He attended Thomas Edison High School and later went to college on a basketball scholarship.
Smith began his career writing for local newspapers before joining ESPN. His work has made him one of the most recognized figures in sports journalism. Currently, he earns around $13 million each year from ESPN. Recently, he declined an offer that would have paid him $18 million per year because he’s looking for a higher salary of about $25 million per year.
With a net worth estimated at $25 million as of 2024, Stephen A. Smith continues to be a significant voice in sports media.
Early Life and Educational Background
Stephen A. Smith was born on October 14, 1967, in the Bronx, New York. He grew up in the Hollis neighborhood of Queens, New York, alongside five siblings, which included four sisters and one brother. His father managed a hardware store. Smith’s family has roots from both black and white ancestry in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands.
Smith attended Thomas Edison High School in Queens and graduated in 1986. After high school, he pursued further education at the Fashion Institute of Technology and later transferred to Winston-Salem State University on a basketball scholarship. During his time at university, he developed skills that contributed to his future career as a sports journalist.
These early experiences shaped Smith’s understanding of sports and media, preparing him for a successful career that includes significant roles at various media outlets like ESPN.
Professional Career
Stephen A. Smith’s professional career spans several areas in sports journalism, showcasing his talent and versatility.
Early Career
Smith began in print media at the Winston-Salem Journal, Greensboro News and Record, and New York Daily News. In 1994, he joined The Philadelphia Inquirer as a writer. He initially covered the Philadelphia 76ers before becoming a general sports columnist, gaining recognition for his insightful commentary.
Radio Career
In 2005, Smith started his radio career with WEPN in New York City. He contributed to Fox Sports Radio by hosting their morning show starting in January 2010. In 2013, he moved to Chris Russo’s Mad Dog Sports Channel on Sirius/XM but returned to ESPN in January 2017, further solidifying his presence in sports media.
Television Career
Smith’s television journey kicked off on CNN/SI in 1999. His engaging personality quickly led him to bigger platforms, including ESPN’s popular show “First Take,” where he became known for his bold opinions and lively discussions about various sports topics.
Through these roles, Stephen A. Smith has become one of the most recognized voices in sports journalism today.
Age, Weight, and Height
Stephen A. Smith was born on October 14, 1967, making him 56 years old as of 2024.
Specific information about his weight isn’t available from reliable sources. However, his height is approximately 6 feet 1 inch (or 185 centimeters). These physical details contribute to his presence as a sports commentator and personality on television.
Spouse and Relationship Status
Stephen A. Smith does not have any public information about a spouse or being in a long-term relationship. Current sources do not mention any details related to his personal life, such as dating or marital status. Most information available focuses on his career achievements, contracts, and financial success rather than his private life.
Social Media Profiles
| Platform | Profile Link |
|---|---|
| @stephenasmith | |
| @stephenasmith | |
| Stephen A. Smith | |
| YouTube | Stephen A. Smith |
Stephen A. Smith actively engages with fans and shares his thoughts on various platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. On these platforms, he discusses sports news, shares personal insights, and connects with his audience regularly.
Conclusion
Stephen A. Smith’s impressive net worth reflects his dedication and impact on the sports journalism industry. With a career defined by bold opinions and engaging commentary he’s managed to carve out a unique space for himself in media. His ability to connect with audiences across various platforms showcases not only his talent but also his understanding of the evolving landscape of sports commentary.
As he continues to navigate opportunities that arise from both traditional and digital media it’s clear that Smith’s influence will only grow. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring journalists showing that passion and hard work can lead to significant financial success in any field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stephen A. Smith’s net worth in 2024?
Stephen A. Smith’s estimated net worth in 2024 is approximately $25 million, reflecting his successful career as a sports commentator and television personality.
How did Stephen A. Smith start his career?
Stephen A. Smith began his career as a writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1994, where he gained recognition for his insightful commentary on sports.
What show is Stephen A. Smith known for?
He is best known for hosting ESPN’s “First Take,” where he shares bold opinions and engages with co-hosts and guests on various sports topics.
How much does Stephen A. Smith earn annually?
As of 2023, Stephen A. Smith earns around $13 million annually from his contract with ESPN, which has significantly increased over the years.
Why did Stephen A. Smith decline the recent contract offer?
Smith declined a remarkable five-year contract worth $90 million because he seeks a deal valued at approximately $25 million per year instead.
Where was Stephen A. Smith born and raised?
Stephen A. Smith was born on October 14, 1967, in the Bronx and raised in Hollis, Queens, New York City.
What are some key details about Stephen A. Smith’s education?
He attended Thomas Edison High School and graduated before pursuing higher education at the Fashion Institute of Technology and later transferring to Winston-Salem State University on a basketball scholarship.
Is there any information about Stephen A. Smith’s personal life?
There is little public information regarding his marital status or relationships; most available details focus on his professional achievements rather than personal matters.
How does Stephen A. Smith engage with fans online?
Smith actively engages with fans through social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube by sharing thoughts on sports news and personal insights regularly.
