ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith has signed a multi-year agreement with SiriusXM that will see him hosting and executive producing two new shows, including one that does not include sports content.
Starting in September, Smith will host a new daily sports talk show, which will air on Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 82), in which he will offer his takes on the biggest sports headlines. He will also create a “weekly current events, pop culture and social commentary-focused show,” which will air on a non-sports SiriusXM channel to be announced at a later date.
Smith will also host multiple in-person SiriusXM subscriber events during the year.
The deal comes after Smith inked a new long-term deal with ESPN in March, which will see him continue to lead First Take, his flagship weekday show, but also allowed him to pursue other deals for programming that touches politics, culture and more.
“To say that I’m excited would be an understatement,” Smith said. “I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That, in itself, is a beautiful thing. 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…especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I’m coming!”
Smith announced the news when he appeared on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show Wednesday morning.
“Stephen A. is a singular talent and one of the most influential voices in media today,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and chief content officer. “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 Mad Dog Sports Radio show will debut Sept. 2. Smith’s current events and pop culture show will debut in September on a date to be announced.