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Stephen Anthony Smith

Stephen A. Smith is one of America’s most recognizable sports media personalities, serving as the face of ESPN’s flagship debate show First Take since 2012. Born in the Bronx and raised in Queens, he built his career as a print journalist before becoming a television powerhouse. In addition to his role on First Take, Smith also acts as a lead NBA analyst for some of the biggest games on TV.

Overview

Stephen Anthony Smith's Profile

Stephen Anthony Smith was born on October 14, 1967, in the Bronx, New York City. He attended Thomas Edison High School in Queens before briefly enrolling at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He later earned a basketball scholarship to Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, where he played point guard and shooting guard while writing a sports column for the university newspaper. 

Smith launched his print journalism career at the New York Daily News before landing at The Philadelphia Inquirer. He then transitioned to television in 1999, joining CNN/Sports Illustrated as an on-air personality. He was hired by ESPN in 2003, and by 2005, he was hosting Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith on the network. After a brief departure, he returned to the network as a permanent co-host of First Take in 2012.  

Today, Smith is the undisputed face of ESPN, appearing on First Take, SportsCenter, NBA Countdown, and more. In 2025, he signed a five-year, $105 million deal with ESPN and a separate three-year, $36 million contract with SiriusXM, making him one of the highest-paid personalities. In addition to media, he has made notable acting appearances, including a recurring role on ABC’s soap opera General Hospital. 

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Stephen Anthony Smith
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of Birth: 1967-10-14
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity: African American, Black
  • Sexual Orientation: Straight
  • Marital Status: Single
  • Career Start: 1993
  • Current Network:
  • Years Active
  • Estimated Salary: $40 million

4
TV Shows

0
Current Hosts

20
Years Active

50
Awards Won

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

First Take on ESPN
First Take
ESPN's SportsCentre
SportsCenter
NBA Countdown
NBA Countdown
The View
The View

Networks

A list of Networks that this host has worked for.

Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

    • Samantha Smith, a biological child with , born in 2008
    • Nyla Smith , a biological child with , born in 2009

    Education

    Educational background and qualifications

    • Thomas Edison High School, Queens, New York
    • Attended Fashion Institute of Technology, New York
    • achelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Winston-Salem State University

    Net Worth & Income

    Income sources, net worth, and properties.

    • Five-year, $105 million ESPN contract signed in 2025, paying approximately $21 million per year.
    • Three-year, $36 million SiriusXM contract signed in 2025, paying approximately $12 million per year.
    • Revenue from The Stephen A. Smith Show podcast on YouTube and iHeart.
    • Book royalties from the New York Times bestselling memoir Straight Shooter (2023).
    • Endorsement deals, including ESPN Bet and past partnerships with Oberto Beef Jerky.

    Awards

    Awards & recognition

    • Broadcast Personality of the Year (2026)
    • National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee (2025)
    • Joseph M. Quinn Award for Lifetime Achievement (2024)
    • Winston-Salem State University 40 Under 40 Hall of Fame (2011)