Smith, a former newspaper beat reporter who rose to fame by pioneering the art of the sports debate show, has agreed with ESPN on a new five-year, $100 million contract, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to CNBC. The deal was first reported by The Athletic .

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is getting a raise. Smith, a featured commentator and executive producer of the sports network’s morning sports talk show “First Take,” signed a new five-year deal with the network,

Smith will continue to star on ESPN’s morning show “First Take,” while continuing to host his YouTube show and flirt with politics.

Stephen A. Smith is one of the most powerful sports commentators in the world. His influence, pointed comments, and knowledge of the NBA and other sports has helped him build up his wealth.

LeBron James called attention to himself when he angrily confronted Stephen A. Smith during a game last week, and one former NBA star does not agree with the way the situation was handled.

LeBron James probably regrets confronting Stephen A. Smith. Last week, James walked up to Smith to yell at him about criticizing his son Bronny James.

Stephen A. Smith thought LeBron James confronting him face-to-face was a weak move, but he has always welcomed players doing it in the past.