Report: Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Discuss Historic 6-Year, $120 Million Contract | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats and Rumors

ESPN and Stephen A. Smith are reportedly in discussions over a historic new contract worth $120 million over six years, according to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic.

When asked if a deal had been reached, Smith responded to The Athletic via text message: “False.”

“Here’s my quote: ‘I was born AT NIGHT, not last night,'” he added. “I don’t talk about my contract negotiations. I never have. I never will.”

Marchand’s report follows Brian Steinberg’s Variety reported Tuesday that Smith and ESPN were close to the terms of a new contract.

“The two sides, who have been in negotiations for several months, hope to reach an agreement in the coming weeks, according to a person familiar with the matter. ESPN and Disney are in talks with Smith to find a new pact that could involve creating a sort of “first look” deal for Smith-backed concepts across Disney’s general entertainment properties, according to this person and a second close to the discussions.

Smith, 57, has worked for ESPN since 2003. He is currently a featured commentator/executive producer for First take and an analyst on NBA Countdown. Smith also contributes to ESPN’s studio programming efforts for other sporting events.

Steinberg reported that Smith’s contract would “expire in 2025.” By Isabella Simonetti from Wall Street Journalhe had already been offered $18 million a year to stay. Steinberg also indicated that the agreement would involve a 50 percent salary increase from his current salary of $12 million.

According to Sportico’s Eric Jackson, that consists of an $8 million base salary and $4 million via “a separate production deal.”

“There are a lot of people who talk about the same topics as me, but they don’t have the same notes,” Smith said last March, during Sportico’s Sports Track at South by Southwest.

Puck’s John Ourand (with Awful Announcing’s Michael Dixon) reported that Smith wanted $25 million a year. He spoke more about Smith’s future last June on CNBC. Last call.

A representative for ESPN declined to comment. Variety regarding news that Smith and ESPN are close to a deal. And WME, which represents Smith, also had no immediate comment. However, at this point, it’s very possible that a lucrative deal for Smith could come to fruition soon.