ESPN announces major broadcasting change to NFL coverage with $100 million Stephen A. Smith ‘involved’ in talks

ESPN has announced big changes to NFL coverage for 2025.

First Take star Stephen A. Smith is one of three names linked with more football air time.

Stephen A. Smith at the 2025 Disney Upfront.
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Stephen A. Smith could be more involved in ESPN’s NFL coverageCredit: Getty

Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham running with the ball during an NFL Wild Card game.
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ESPN’s first game of the 2025 season features the Minnesota Vikings at Chicago BearsCredit: Getty
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro spoke this week about the network’s coverage going forward.

Smith, Chris Berman and Rich Eisen are three on-air stars set for larger roles.

First Take analyst Smith recently signed a lucrative new deal with the network.

He currently stars on ESPN’s NBA coverage but is said to be interested in covering more football.

Speaking to Front Office Sports, Pitaro said, “We are very open to Stephen getting more involved on the NFL.

“We’ve had some exploratory conversations with him.

“We know that the league really likes Stephen so there could be something to do there.

“That being said, we’re really happy with what we have in terms of NFL Live, Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown.

“We feel like we’re in a good spot right now but there’s always room for someone like Stephen.”

Berman’s contract was recently extended while Eisen is returning to the network.

Best games and biggest showdowns from 2025 NFL Schedule Release
He left in 2003 to join NFL Network but this year he’s agreed a licensing deal for his show to appear on ESPN.

Smith made a brief cameo on a Monday Night Countdown show last year when he was attending a game.

ESPN confirmed it’s complete slate of games Wednesday when the 2025 NFL schedule was revealed.

The network will broadcast 23 regular-season games as well as two playoff showdowns this season.

ESPN’s first Monday Night Football of the year is on September 8 when the Minnesota Vikings visit the Chicago Bears.

Illustration of the NFL European games schedule for 2025.
They will show four MNF doubleheaders in the first seven weeks.

They include a later game kicking off at 10 pm ET to better suit the west coast market.

That game sees the Los Angeles Chargers visit the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2.

And it follows a 7 pm ET game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans.

ESPN also has a game on streaming only – the Week 7 showdown between the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks.