‘$40M a Year for Bad Takes?’ ‘Being Loud Pays’ — Fans Roll Their Eyes As ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Tops Tom Brady As Highest-Paid Name in Sports Media
‘$40M a Year for Bad Takes?’ ‘Being Loud Pays’ — Fans Roll Their Eyes As ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Tops Tom Brady As Highest-Paid Name in Sports Media
Andrew Buller-Russ Sat, October 24, 2026 at 3:07 AM UTC
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'$40M a Year for Bad Takes?' 'Being Loud Pays' -- Fans Roll Their Eyes As Stephen A. Smith Tops Tom Brady As Highest-Paid Name in Sports Media
When Tom Brady signed a 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports to become its lead NFL analyst, he landed one of the biggest paydays in sports media history. So, you’d think he’d be sitting pretty at the top of the salary charts. Not so fast.
Stephen A. Smith, who doesn’t have Brady’s seven Super Bowl rings, is reportedly making more than the surefire first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback. And fans aren’t exactly impressed.
Stephen A. Smith Makes $2.5M More Than Tom Brady
Smith, of course, didn’t become one of the biggest names in sports media overnight. He has spent years working his way up as a radio host and commentator, making a name for himself with his bold takes, particularly on basketball. Love him or hate him, Smith knows how to get people talking, and that ability has paid off in a big way.
According to Boardroom, Smith now pulls in an estimated $40 million a year across his media ventures. ESPN reportedly pays him between $20 million and $21 million annually, while his SiriusXM deal brings in another $12 million. His podcast and other media ventures are said to account for the remaining $7 million. That puts Smith roughly $2.5 million ahead of Brady.
Fans were quick to question Smith’s hefty salary, with one commenter joking that Smith is getting paid “$40M a year for bad takes.”
A second fan took aim at Smith’s outspoken style, remarking, “I guess being loud pays.”
One fan wasn’t impressed with what Smith brings to the table, claiming he’s getting paid “$40 million to not provide an ounce of intelligence to sports media. Truly inspiring.”
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With that kind of paycheck, Smith is probably laughing all the way to the bank rather than worrying about what fans have to say online.
Another X user had a low blow aimed at apparently the richest man in sports media.
“The dumbest takes get the highest salary. That’s what sports media has come to.”
Overall, fans seem genuinely surprised that Smith earns more than Brady and several other big names in sports media. But Smith has been in the business since 1994, and he’s clearly put in the work to reach the top.
SEE ALSO: ‘I’m Calling Out the NBA,’ ‘Stop That Nonsense’ — ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Reacts As Warriors’ Yaxel Lendeborg Rips Lakers Star Luka Dončić’s ‘Whining’
Many sports commentators have come and gone over the years, but Smith has managed to stay relevant and build a career that now makes him one of the highest-paid personalities in the industry.
While he may not have Brady’s Super Bowl rings, Smith is clearly winning in his own way.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
Source: “AOL Money”
