Part 7/9:
The intricacies of Smith’s upcoming contract reflect a maturation in the sports media landscape. As the business pivots to streaming platforms and additional revenue streams, Smith’s tendency to produce engaging content—both on television and through his podcast—is a driving factor. This dual approach allows ESPN to leverage his fame for advertising deals while also streamlining costs through his production company, SAS Productions.
As media deals become increasingly intricate, personalities like Smith now have more bargaining power, resembling future arrangements like Tom Brady’s hefty $375 million contract with Fox Sports, which includes options for appearances and new projects.