The Three Kings Of Commentary: What Stephen A. Smith, Michael Smith, And Kenny Smith Are Doing In 2025

The landscape of sports commentary is constantly shifting, and in late 2025, three of the most recognizable voices with the common surname "Smith" are making headlines with major career moves and new ventures. The world of sports media is a high-stakes arena, and figures like Stephen A. Smith, Michael Smith, and Kenny Smith are not just reporting on the action—they are the action. This deep dive uncovers the freshest updates and the full professional profiles of these influential sports media giants, from massive contract extensions to unexpected political commentary shifts.

The most significant and recent news revolves around Stephen A. Smith, whose influence extends far beyond the confines of the ESPN studio. As of today, December 15, 2025, his career trajectory is a masterclass in media diversification, highlighted by a major clarification regarding his NBA role and the launch of a brand-new, non-sports venture.

Stephen A. Smith: Biography and The Shocking 2025 Career Pivot

Stephen Anthony Smith, known universally as Stephen A., has built a career on passionate, often controversial, and always high-energy commentary. His journey from newspaper reporter to the undisputed face of ESPN is one of the most compelling stories in modern sports media.

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• Full Name: Stephen Anthony Smith
• Born: October 14, 1967 (Age 58 in 2025)
• Primary Roles: Television Personality, Radio Host, Sports Analyst, Author, Executive Producer
• Key Programs: Host of ESPN’s *First Take*, Host of *The Stephen A. Smith Show* (SiriusXM), Host of *Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith* (SiriusXM)
• Early Career Highlights: Sports reporter for the *Winston-Salem Journal*, the *Atlanta Journal-Constitution*, and a longtime columnist for the *New York Daily News*.
• Estimated Annual Salary (2025): $20 million
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Reported figures vary widely, with estimates ranging from $25 million to $85 million, reflecting his multiple ventures, including endorsements and production roles.
• Notable Entities: ESPN, *First Take*, *NBA Countdown*, SiriusXM, POTUS Politics, Max Kellerman, Skip Bayless, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, LeBron James.

The Truth Behind the 'NBA Countdown' Departure

One of the biggest sports media stories of 2025 was Stephen A. Smith's official removal from the cast of ESPN's *NBA Countdown*. While initial reports and fan speculation suggested a firing or demotion, Smith himself has been quick to clarify the situation. He stated that the departure was his choice, a decision made months prior and tied to his new, massive contract with the network.

The move is a strategic one, allowing the network's highest-paid personality to focus his energy on his flagship program, *First Take*, and his other major projects. The decision highlights a shift in ESPN's programming strategy, consolidating their star power where it delivers the most consistent ratings and revenue.

A New Era: Stephen A. Smith Enters the Political Arena

In a bold move that solidifies his status as a commentator on all things culture, not just sports, Stephen A. Smith launched a new weekly political and culture radio show in the fall of 2025. The show, titled "Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith," premiered on SiriusXM’s POTUS Politics channel (Channel 124).

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This venture is a clear expansion of his brand, moving beyond analyzing the NBA Finals or the performance of the New York Knicks to tackling national politics. Smith promised to "spare no one" with his commentary, bringing his signature fiery style to a new and explosive topic. The show airs live every Wednesday evening, featuring interviews with major political figures and deep dives into current events, proving that Smith is committed to becoming a leading voice in the broader sphere of American discourse.

Michael Smith: The Versatile Storyteller's Multi-Platform Dominance

While Stephen A. Smith commands the debate stage, Michael Smith has quietly become one of the most versatile and in-demand storytellers across multiple major networks. Known for his insightful, culture-focused approach, Michael Smith’s career has flourished post-ESPN, securing him key roles that span traditional television and streaming platforms.

Since 2020, Smith has been a prominent host and commentator for NBC Sports. His work there includes serving as co-host and executive producer of a show that blends sports, current events, and culture. His ability to connect sports narratives to the wider social context makes him a unique and valuable voice in the industry.

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In addition to his NBC role, Michael Smith has also joined the burgeoning world of streaming sports, signing on as a news analyst for Amazon Prime Video's *Thursday Night Football*. This dual role with two major broadcasters—NBC and Amazon—cements his position as a modern, multi-platform sports journalist, successfully bridging the gap between cable television and the future of online sports broadcasting.

Kenny Smith: The 'Jet' and the Historic 'Inside the NBA' Shift

Kenny "The Jet" Smith, a two-time NBA champion, has been a cornerstone of the critically acclaimed and highly popular *Inside the NBA* on TNT for decades. His chemistry with co-analysts Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley, and host Ernie Johnson, is legendary, making the show a cultural institution.

The most pressing news for Kenny Smith and his colleagues in 2025 revolves around the massive shift in NBA media rights. While the show is a TNT product, a new licensing arrangement means that *Inside the NBA* is set to begin airing on ESPN/ABC platforms starting in the 2025-26 season.

Despite the changes in network affiliation, reports indicate that Kenny Smith, along with Shaquille O'Neal, is close to a new deal to remain part of the show. This ensures that the iconic crew, beloved by millions of basketball fans, will continue their unique brand of analysis and comedy, even as the broadcast home changes. Smith's expanded role under the new deal confirms his secure and enduring status as one of the best and most entertaining NBA analysts in the business, a pivotal figure in the post-game show format. He also maintains his role as an analyst for CBS/Turner during the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.

The careers of the three most prominent "Smith sports commentators"—Stephen A. Smith, Michael Smith, and Kenny Smith—show a clear trend in 2025: diversification and consolidation. From Stephen A.'s calculated shift into political commentary and his focus on *First Take*, to Michael Smith's successful navigation of the NBC and Amazon streaming world, and Kenny Smith's enduring presence through the historic NBA media rights change, these commentators are not just covering the news; they are defining the future of sports media.