A Tired NBA Voice Looks to the Sidelines
If you felt like Stephen A. Smith was everywhere during the NBA season, you weren’t imagining it. From roasting players to arguing with mayors and even getting caught playing solitaire courtside, the ESPN personality’s face was unavoidable. But even Smith admits, it’s time for a break.
In a new feature with Boardroom, Smith opened up about his NBA workload, admitting he’s “happy” to be pulling back from constant coverage as Inside the NBA joins ESPN’s team next year.
ESPN Brings in Relief with TNT’s Iconic Crew
ESPN’s deal to license Inside the NBA, featuring Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson, and Shaq, will relieve much of the studio show burden that Smith carried solo. And no one’s more thrilled than the man himself.
“Inside The NBA is coming here and nobody can be happier for that than me,” Smith said. “It gives me what I believe to be well-earned relief… I’ve been covering the NBA for 30 years.”
Smith also has strong personal ties to the new team: he grew up in Queens like Kenny Smith and has a long-standing rapport with Barkley.
Stephen A. Set to Become ESPN’s NFL Face
While he may be stepping away from hoops, Stephen A. Smith won’t be off your screen. He’s set to take on more NFL duties under his new $100 million ESPN deal, joining Scott Van Pelt more frequently on NFL Countdown.
With ESPN hosting its first-ever Super Bowl in 2027, Smith’s growing NFL presence is part of the network’s broader football strategy. He has 18 months to become one of the leading voices of the NFL at ESPN, something he seems ready to embrace.
A Well-Earned Pivot in the Spotlight
Love him or not, Stephen A. has been one of the hardest-working personalities in sports media. As the NBA spotlight shifts to TNT’s stars, Smith is already eyeing his next arena: the gridiron.
Read More: ESPN Faces Criticism for Overloading Coverage with Stephen A. Smith
