Stephen A. Smith on ESPN negotiations: ‘Hopefully we’ll reach a deal very, very soon’

Stephen A. Smith has long been one of ESPN’s most recognizable personalities. And it doesn’t sound like that’s changing anytime soon.

Reports emerged in December that Smith and ESPN had reached a deal, though he later disputed those. But in an interview with Front Office Sports, Smith expressed optimism that a deal will soon be reached.

Smith cited a “very, very close relationship” with ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro, as well as Disney CEO Bob Iger, adding that “When you have those kind of relationships, you don’t buy those.” He also made it clear that his asking price was not the issue and that the financial side of the deal has long been agreed upon. In talking about that, Smith discussed what issues still linger.

“Everything that I want to do, you gotta make sure all of that is there and it’s in the language,” Smith said. “The Devil is in the details because from a numbers perspective, we’ve agreed months ago. Like, literally months ago. It’s not about the money at this point because the money was agreed to back in October. The issue is all the things that I just finished talking to you about and what I want to do — working out that language. Because lawyers get involved and all of that other stuff.”

While he didn’t give a specific timetable on when his new deal will be reached, he Smith did express confidence that it won’t be long.

“But I work at a great place,” he said. “We’re the Worldwide Leader, we’re No. 1. I’ve got great colleagues and friends. I love working there and I’m anticipating that hopefully we’ll reach a deal very, very soon and I’ll march forward with ESPN for the foreseeable future.”