Stephen A. Smith’s move into politics with SiriusXM sparks NBA debate over massive $40 million salary

Stephen A. Smith is making headlines again. On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the ESPN star is starting a brand-new political show on SiriusXM’s POTUS channel. The move takes him out of just sports and into national debate.

The money is huge, too. Smith now makes nearly $40 million every year from ESPN, SiriusXM, YouTube, and his own podcast. His five-year ESPN deal is worth $105 million, and his three-year SiriusXM deal adds nearly $40 million, according to reports. That salary now puts him close to the biggest names in sports, shocking NBA fans online.

Stephen A. Smith’s new SiriusXM show brings massive pay raise

Stephen A. Smith’s new two-hour show, Straight Shooter with Stephen A., will air weekly on SiriusXM starting September 17, 2025.

The program will focus on politics and national issues, while Smith will still remain a main face of ESPN’s First Take.

The Athletic reported that his ESPN deal alone makes him the highest-paid talent at the network, while SiriusXM adds millions more. Counting YouTube and podcast revenue, Smith’s annual pay now reaches close to $40 million. That number went viral overnight when news outlets broke down his contracts.

Stephen A. Smith himself has spoken about why he is making the move. In a recent interview, he said, “I’ve got a lot of things I want to achieve in my life that go beyond sports.” He added that while sports remain his main lane, politics is an area where he feels ready to step in.

Stephen A. Smith’s money compared to NBA stars sparks debate

Stephen A. Smith’s new salary quickly set off arguments on social media. Many NBA fans compared his earnings to top players. Some even said Smith may earn more than LeBron James next season once his media income is counted. Others pointed out that while James still earns over $40 million from basketball and endorsements, Smith is now not far behind just by talking on TV and radio.Also Read: Stephen Curry Is Coming For His 5th NBA Championship As He Bulks Up Before Next Season CommencesSupporters defended the contracts by saying Smith brings in billions in revenue for ESPN and other platforms. Stephen A. Smith has always drawn both love and hate for his bold takes. Over the years, he has stirred debates by ranking players, backing underdogs, and even clashing with stars. That mix of opinion and controversy is exactly why networks are ready to pay him more than almost any other sports voice today.