Stephen A. Smith Signs Multi-Year Deal with SiriusXM

Stephen A. Smith, one of the most recognizable voices in sports media, is making a major move to satellite radio. SiriusXM announced this week that it has signed Smith to a multi-year agreement, bringing the ESPN anchor’s signature style to a wider audience and expanding his reach well beyond the realm of sports.

Smith, who broke the news while guesting on The Howard Stern Show, will host and executive-produce two new shows for the network. His weekday program will join the Mad Dog Sports Radio channel, sharing the lineup with longtime friend and collaborator Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo.

In addition to daily sports talk, Smith will launch a weekly show focused on pop culture, politics, and social commentary, to be broadcast on a yet-to-be-announced non-sports SiriusXM channel.

“To say that I’m excited would be an understatement,” Smith said in a statement. “I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf… But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of pop culture, politics, and social commentary, let’s just say it doesn’t get any better than that. September can’t come soon enough.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio… Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle up! I’m coming!”

This move adds to what is already a packed schedule for Smith. The sportscaster recently signed a contract extension with ESPN, reportedly making him one of the highest-paid on-air talents in the network’s history at $25 million per year.

Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM President and Chief Content Officer, praised Smith’s versatility: “Stephen A. is a singular talent and one of the most influential voices in media today. While so many people know him for his unparalleled sports commentary, his interests extend far beyond the borders of sports and into the worlds of politics, news, entertainment and so much more.

SiriusXM gives him the unfiltered creative freedom to delve into any topic and allows him to showcase his unique talents and perspectives.”

Smith’s new daily sports show on Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 82) and his yet-to-be-titled weekly program are both slated to premiere in September, with the sports show debuting Tuesday, Sept. 2.