Stephen A. Smith
Awards & Honours
3
Awards Won
4
Honours
5
Rankings
4
Covers
2
Records
Stephen A. Smith's career is marked by a series of historic achievements in sports media. He has been ranked #1 on The Athletic's Most Influential People in Sports Media list for two consecutive years (2022 and 2024). He is consistently among the highest-paid sports media personalities, earning $18 million in 2026 according to Forbes. His ability to reinvent himself after being fired from ESPN in 2005 and return to become the network's highest-paid talent is a testament to his resilience. He has also been recognized by the National Association of Black Journalists with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 and received an honorary doctorate from Winston-Salem State University in 2025.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Lifetime Achievement Award
Awarded for his contributions to sports media and journalism.
Key to the City of New York
Honored for his contributions to sports media and philanthropy.
Winston-Salem State University Hall of Fame Induction
Inducted for his contributions to the university and career achievements.
Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters
Awarded for his career achievements and public service.
Rankings & Lists
Most Influential People in Sports Media
Highest-Paid Sports Media Personalities
Most Influential People in Sports Media
Highest-Paid Sports Media Personalities
Highest-Paid Sports Media Personalities
Magazine Covers
The New York Times Magazine
March 2023
The Loudest Voice in Sports: Stephen A. Smith's Rise to the Top of ESPN
Sports Illustrated
August 2024
Stephen A. Smith: The King of Sports Debate
Forbes
October 2024
The $18 Million Man: Stephen A. Smith's Media Empire
GQ
January 2025
Stephen A. Smith: The Most Unlikely Media Mogul
Records & Feats
Highest-Paid On-Air Talent at ESPN
Smith's 2023 contract extension at $9 million per year made him the highest-paid on-air personality in ESPN history.
First to Host a Primetime Show on ESPN While Also Hosting a Daily Radio Show
In 2026, Smith launched 'Stephen A.'s Take' on ESPN primetime while continuing his daily ESPN Radio show, a first for the network.