HOST HUNT
ESPN’s replacements for Stephen A. Smith revealed with uncertainty over his future and not budging over $25m contract
ESPN has plenty of internal candidates who could join First Take
STEPHEN A. Smith and ESPN have yet to agree on a new contract to keep him at the network.
The two parties have exchanged figures, but so far nothing has been solidified.
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ESPN reportedly offered Stephen A. a $90 million contract over five years, an annual value of $18 million, according to Puck.
However, the network is far off from what Stephen A. wants in his deal, with the First Take host looking for $25 million in annual value.
His contract expires in 2025, and Stephen A. is willing to move networks to get that value.
With the threat of Stephen A. leaving ESPN looming, let's take a look at some potential names that could replace him on First Take.
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SHANNON SHARPE
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Shannon Sharpe is the logical first choice to take over on the First Take desk in the event that Stephen A. leaves.
Sharpe has grown into a fan-favorite and already has experience alongside Molly Qerim and other guests.
The former NFL tight end recently signed an extension with ESPN, so he will be around for the foreseeable future.
Sharpe could help provide stability on First Take during a transition period away from Stephen A.
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RYAN CLARK
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Like Sharpe, Ryan Clark already has experience on the First Take desk.
Clark is also one of ESPN's top talents and could be due for a promotion after putting in work across many of their shows.
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Clark isn't as animated a personality as Stephen A. and Sharpe, but he could grow into the role.
Adding him would also allow Sharpe to stay in his current role on First Take which he has thrived in.
SHAQUILLE O'NEAL
Stephen A. and Shaq both have contracts set to expire at the same time.
With Inside the NBA ending, Shaq will be looking for a new home following the 2024-25 NBA season.
First Take viewing figures
First Take went from strength to strength under the guidance of Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim last year.
The weekday ESPN debate show averaged 496,000 viewers in 2023 - making it the most-watched year in program history.
Its December average of 611,000 was a 24% year-on-year increase compared to 2022.
The show also reported more than 250 million views on YouTube.
First Take was helped by the addition of Shannon Sharpe alongside Smith and Qerim after he left Fox Sports' Undisputed.
Shaq is one of sports TV's biggest personalities, and networks will likely be swarming to add his services.
The NBA legend's big presence could be perfect to replace Stephen A.
PAT MCAFEE
Pat McAfee is already one of ESPN's highest paid talents, so promoting him to First Take could be the easiest solution to replace Stephen A.
The biggest issue would be finding a way for him to continue The Pat McAfee Show while hosting First Take.
McAfee certainly has the personality to fill the void that Stephen A. would leave, and he has a large fanbase behind him.
It feels unlikely that he would set his own show aside to move to First Take though.
JASON KELCE
Jason Kelce could be a wildcard pick to fill in on the First Take desk.
Kelce just signed on with ESPN to participate in Monday Night Football broadcasts, but that role could expand if he does well.
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Fans already know and love the personality that he has, so he could certainly bring good energy to First Take.
It would also help ESPN get the Swiftie demographic to tune in to their shows.
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