A few hours ago, prominent sports journalist Jimmy Traina released another episode of his ‘SI Media’ podcast. With the Editor-At-Large of ‘The Ringer’ Bryan Curtis joining as guest host, Traina broached the subject of ESPN sportscaster Stephen A. Smith. The journalist expressed his curiosity in knowing what Smith’s “game plan” is. On the one hand, he may be in line to replace renowned comedian Jimmy Kimmel and become a late-night comedian. On the other, he may be looking at a possible $25 Million a year contract extension from ESPN after his current contract expires. Given that Kimmel reportedly makes only $15 million a year, Traina expressed his disbelief that Smith would be paid $10 million more if he were to act as Kimmel’s successor, all because both of their content is a tad bit different.

Taking each of the issues separately, Bryan Curtis stated that while he may not have considered Smith as a serious contender to replace Kimmel a few years ago, his opinion has changed with the course of time. “Given the way Stephen A. has ESPN and Disney by the tail and given the things that Stephen A. has sort of accomplished, are we totally sure that’s out of the question?” said Curtis.

Traina may not have many doubts about the 56-year-old’s ability as a sportscaster and an occasional comedian. However, he had doubts on whether the CBS network hosting Kimmel’s show would be willing to invest so much on the celebrity.

“If Kimmel left, I don’t know if they’re gonna go like big name route to replace him” Traina acknowledged. “The economics now of late night are so different”.

The rumour about Stephen A. Smith looking to replace Jimmy Kimmel has been running rampant ever since the latter highlighted that he may not be looking to return next year. In light of this rumour, ‘Barrett Media’ president Jason Barrett reportedly stated that ESPN would be more than willing to extend Smith’s contract by $25 Million once his current one expires by July 2025. Judging by his year-old comments, however, the sportscaster may not mind giving the late-time slot a shot.

Stephen A. Smith on replacing Jimmy Kimmel: “I believe I could do it”

Back in January 2023, during an interview with Fox News anchor Sean Hannity, Stephen A. Smith clearly expressed his wish to try his luck out in the late-night segment. Furthermore, he wasn’t hesitant in stating who he would like to replace.

“I would love to be the heir apparent to Jimmy Kimmel. I believe I could do it,” said Smith. The 56-year-old reportedly stated that, unlike Kimmel, he would choose to focus on all aspects of a political or a hot button issue. “I’m not a one-sided kind of guy” Smith continued. “I’m one-sided on issues. I’m not one-sided on ideology.”

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