Stephen A. Smith clarified that he chose to step away from ESPN's NBA Countdown during recent contract negotiations due to his busy schedule. The veteran analyst emphasized that the decision was his own and not a surprise removal by the network. He will continue contributing to First Take and make occasional appearances on the show.
ESPN announced a revamped NBA Countdown on Monday, excluding Stephen A. Smith, who has been a staple on the program since 2003. The 58-year-old personality addressed the speculation on his SiriusXM show Tuesday, stating he negotiated his removal as part of a five-year contract deal worth at least $100 million, finalized between June 2024 and April 2025.
"It was decided at that particular moment in time that I wouldn’t be doing ‘NBA Countdown’ anymore because I didn’t want to," Smith said. "I loved doing the show. But after the show is over, I got a whole bunch of other stuff that I gotta do and I didn’t want to be stuck in studio until midnight. No shade against ESPN, no shade against my wonderful colleagues."
Smith explained that the move allows him to prioritize First Take, his SiriusXM radio show, a new political program, and a production company handling scripted and unscripted content. He noted reduced commitments in other areas under the new deal and expressed enjoyment in appearing on Monday Night Countdown.
The updated NBA Countdown will be hosted by Malika Andrews in her third season, with analysts Kendrick Perkins, a 2008 NBA champion, and Michael Malone, the 2023 NBA champion coach. Reporters Brian Windhorst and Shams Charania will also contribute regularly. The show debuts Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. EST.
Smith affirmed his availability for ESPN needs, including potential cameos on NBA Countdown, and praised the new lineup, calling Perkins his brother and Andrews fabulous. He added that ESPN's acquisition of the Inside the NBA crew lessens the need for his pregame anchoring, though he would join them in Atlanta if asked.