Kenny Smith has signed a multi-year ESPN deal featuring First Take appearances, NBA Countdown roles, and game analyst duties.

In a significant move that strengthens ESPN’s NBA coverage during the 2025 season, former Houston Rockets guard and long-time Inside the NBA analyst Kenny “The Jet” Smith has signed a new multi-year agreement with the network. The deal will see Smith make regular appearances on “First Take”, join NBA Countdown as a guest analyst, and serve as a commentator for select NBA broadcasts throughout the year.

ESPN announced the agreement on Wednesday, representing another phase in the network’s expanding partnership with TNT Sports following the sublicensing arrangement that brought Inside the NBA to ESPN earlier this year. While the program remains a Warner Bros. Discovery production, it now airs on ESPN platforms, as TNT no longer holds NBA broadcasting rights.

Under the new deal, Smith’s primary role will be as a frequent contributor to First Take, the flagship morning debate show hosted by Stephen A. Smith. He is likely to appear regularly alongside other ESPN personalities to offer analysis and perspective backed by his two NBA championships and decades of broadcasting experience.

Smith will also take part in game analysis and feature on NBA Countdown from time to time, including Wednesday night’s episode preceding the New York Knicks–Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers–San Antonio Spurs matchups.

The partnership also provides Smith with a broader platform beyond his established role on Inside the NBA, which has been airing intermittently this season. With Inside set to return to a consistent schedule beginning January 24, ESPN’s move ensures Smith remains a visible presence during the show’s off weeks.

Part of Inside the NBA for over two decades, Smith helped the program earn 21 Sports Emmy Awards and institutionalize its status as one of the most influential shows in sports television. Before his TNT tenure, he worked as a game analyst for Fox Sports’ ACC broadcasts and the MSG Network’s New York Knicks coverage, leaving the latter in 2008. He has also contributed to major network coverage, including NBC’s 2002 Eastern Conference Finals.

Amid speculation, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson have not made similar moves to ESPN. Barkley reaffirmed his exclusive TNT commitment last year, even as he explored offers from other networks like NBC and Amazon.

For ESPN, adding Smith strengthens its NBA lineup with a respected, championship-proven voice. For Smith, the deal broadens his platform at a time when ESPN and TNT’s collaboration is revolutionizing how fans experience NBA coverage.

When Kenny Smith signs onto an expanded role across additional programs at ESPN, the move reflects much more than a simple change of venue. It is the culmination of decades of work, the re-assertion of a studio personality’s brand, and a sign of evolving industry dynamics in sports media. Smith’s new multi-year agreement — one that sees him appear on such flagship shows as First Take alongside his ongoing contributions to Inside the NBA — marks a turn in his career, an adaptation to shifting media landscapes, and a reaffirmation of his voice in NBA commentary.

Kenny Smith first came to prominence as a broadcaster after a successful playing career in the NBA, but what has made him remain relevant and even ascend in the crowded world of sports commentary is his personality. With wit, insight, and a certain ease on­camera, he has become a go-to voice for fans wanting smart analysis with a relaxed delivery. Now, with this new agreement, ESPN is effectively betting on that personality to land in more places, across more shows, and reach more audiences. It is a strategic move for both Smith and the network: for Smith, it broadens his platform; for ESPN, it taps a known asset into multiple programs, potentially boosting ratings, diversifying voices, and reinforcing its studio lineup.

The timing of this agreement is also of note. The NBA’s broadcast rights have shifted, production models have changed, digital platforms have gained ground, and the way fans consume studio shows has evolved. In this environment, talent who can connect across formats, adapt to hybrid studios, and work both live and on digital short-form content become increasingly valuable. For Smith, the opportunity to appear more frequently, across more premium programs, means that he is positioning himself at the center of these changes — not simply reacting to them, but helping shape them. And for ESPN, his presence adds continuity, credibility, and a broadened appeal.

From Smith’s vantage point, the new agreement reflects his standing in the industry. It acknowledges his longevity: how long he has been around, how he has grown from player to commentator, and how he has built trust with viewers. It also gives him latitude to expand his role. Appearing on First Take means being part of one of sports television’s most visible discussion forums — a show where debate, hot takes, and immediate reactions dominate. At the same time, maintaining his role on Inside the NBA means staying connected to the deeper, more reflective post-game studio analysis that has won it acclaim. In combining both, Smith is saying: I can do both the fast-paced, opinion-driven show, and the longer form, thoughtful studio programming. That versatility matters.

For ESPN, bringing Smith into additional programming is a calculated move. First Take thrives on strong personalities and quick commentary, often focusing on trending topics within and beyond the NBA. Adding Smith’s voice to that mix strengthens its insiders’ bench. Simultaneously, the network maintains the quality of its deeper basketball studio product by keeping Smith on Inside the NBA. In a media market where loyalty and familiarity are as valuable as novelty, Smith offers a known quantity who can help stabilize and elevate programming. In effect, ESPN is leveraging a familiar face to both grow and protect its brand across different show types.

Looking behind the scenes at the broader context, the deal also signals something about how sports media rights and studio shows are evolving. With the NBA’s national rights being re-structured, production partnerships changing, and streaming platforms entering the fray, the studio side of the business is under greater pressure to adapt and innovate. Talent like Smith is part of that adaptation: able to shift between formats, able to speak authentically about the game and the culture around it, able to show up on multiple kinds of programs. Thus this multi-year agreement is not just a win for Smith and ESPN, but emblematic of how the industry is reshaping itself.

From a fan’s perspective, seeing Smith more frequently in different settings may offer both excitement and familiarity. For fans of First Take, his arrival signals a broadened voice on that show — someone with experience, credibility, and a sense of humor. For fans of Inside the NBA, the continuity is comforting: even as networks, rights, and production models shift, the people you’ve grown accustomed to seeing remain present. In that way a multi-year agreement like this helps many of the transitions feel less jarring for viewers. Change is happening, but it still features familiar faces.

In terms of Smith’s career trajectory, this agreement represents a high point. While many former players transition to commentary roles, fewer evolve to the level where they are leveraged across major platforms, appear on marquee shows, and remain relevant for decades. Smith has done that through a combination of basketball knowledge, broadcast savvy, likability, and brand building. This deal acknowledges that value and gives him more runway — more primetime appearances, more influence, more visibility. It also likely offers him more creative opportunities and perhaps more flexibility across shows and formats.

One of the subtler implications of this move is how it affects Smith’s behind-the-camera brand. Being on multiple shows puts him in a position to cross-promote, to establish a broader digital footprint, and to be a voice not just within basketball commentary but within the bigger sports media ecosystem. For example, appearing on First Take may expose him to a different audience segment than Inside the NBA, potentially one that engages more with hype, hot takes, social-media-triggered moments. That can boost notoriety, drive social engagement, and build a broader personal brand. In turn, that brand value may pay dividends beyond this deal — in digital content, partnerships, speaking engagements, and other media opportunities.

The agreement also signals how networks view the value of established studio personalities. When rights and platforms shift, the production side often faces turbulence. In such contexts, talent becomes a stabilizing factor. For ESPN, ensuring that someone like Smith is locked in across multiple programs helps insulate the network from viewer disruption during rights transitions or production shifts. In other words: when the delivery mechanism changes, the familiar faces remain, helping maintain brand trust. That has strategic value in retaining audiences and preserving network reputation.

There are also benefits for Smith from a developmental standpoint. Being on varying shows with different formats sharpens his craft: the fast-pace of First Take demands quick commentary and strong presence; the studio depth of Inside the NBA demands nuance, insight, and interplay with long-time colleagues. That range can only strengthen his broadcasting skill set and increase his marketability. It also gives him greater exposure to younger viewers, social-media audiences, and perhaps to new formats (digital, short-form, podcasts) as networks continue to diversify.

From a cultural perspective, Smith’s expanded role is significant. The NBA is increasingly not just about games and highlights, but about culture, commentary, narratives, social context. A studio voice who can speak not just about plays and tactics but about personalities, cultural shifts, and the broader sports ecosystem is valuable. Smith has shown he can do that. This deal gives him more leeway to engage across that broader specter. For audiences, that means they may see Smith offering commentary not just on what happened in the game, but what it means — on player narratives, societal intersections, legacy, generational changes. That added dimension enhances the value of his appearances.

There is also an element of risk — for both Smith and ESPN. Expanding one’s role means more exposure, more scrutiny, more possibility of over-extension or misplaced commentary. The culture of sports media is unforgiving: hot takes can go wrong, audiences can pivot quickly, social media can amplify backlash. But the multi-year nature of the contract likely gives Smith and ESPN some security to experiment, grow, and evolve without immediate pressure of renewal. And the fact that the deal is multi-year signals confidence from the network in his durability, relevance, and adaptability.

On the business side, contracts like this offer interesting insight. While specific figures for Smith’s deal may not be public, the deal’s structure likely includes appearances, endorsements, digital content rights, perhaps profit share. For Smith, that means not just being a paid commentator but potentially having a stake in content he generates, cross-platform rights, and opportunities within the ESPN ecosystem. For ESPN, a multi-year deal locks in talent at a predictable cost, hedging against inflation of media salaries and securing brand-worthy personalities ahead of competition. Given how talent acquisition is now a strategic imperative in sports-media battles, this deal is emblematic of that trend.

Another dimension to consider is how this affects the dynamics of the panels he will join, the shows he appears on, and how networks might integrate talent across multiple programs. For First Take, Smith’s voice adds NBA gravitas — raising the level when NBA topics are discussed, and perhaps attracting basketball-centric viewers who might not otherwise watch that show. For Inside the NBA, his expanded contract may send a signal to colleagues and producers about the importance of continuity and cross-program synergy. Essentially, networks may increasingly think of talent as platform-agnostic: someone who can appear in multiple formats rather than being locked into one show or one timeslot.

For younger commentators and analysts, Smith’s deal sets a benchmark. It illustrates that studio talent can transition from siloed show appearances to network-wide roles, and that there is upside in cultivating your on-camera presence, versatility, and brand. Smith’s path—from former player to analyst to multi-program star—can serve as a blueprint. Networks taking notice of such talent may offer more of these multi-program deals, thereby altering how commentators view their careers: not just as one show, but as a broader platform within a media ecosystem.

The fan engagement aspect should not be overlooked. For viewers who have watched Smith on Inside the NBA for years, seeing him on First Take may feel like a crossover event. It may drive interest, spark conversation on social media, and generate brand synergy for ESPN across its shows. For ESPN, this kind of talent alignment can help integrate its studio programming ecosystem: when a viewer watches one show and sees a familiar face from another, loyalty and engagement may deepen. For advertisers, commentators with cross-program presence are more attractive because their reach and recognition are broader. In that way, Smith’s deal may have downstream commercial benefits beyond just his on-air appearances.

It is also worth reflecting on how the evolving media landscape likely influenced this deal. With streaming platforms, social media, and hybrid broadcast-digital content becoming more important, networks need talent who can operate in multiple spaces. Smith, with his experience and recognizable voice, is well-positioned for that. His multi-program deal likely includes digital components: appearances on network digital platforms, social-media integration, maybe even podcasts or ancillary content. As sports media becomes more than just live broadcasts, being able to pivot across mediums is increasingly vital. Thus this agreement is anticipatory of broader shifts.

From an organizational viewpoint, ESPN’s move may also reflect competitive pressures. With rights shifting, networks consolidating, and digital challengers emerging, retaining high-value talent is an important strategy. By offering Smith a multi-year deal across programs, ESPN is demonstrating its commitment to maintaining and elevating its basketball commentary voice. That matters when fans are inundated with choices. A strong, anchor personality like Smith helps differentiate ESPN’s studio offerings and maintain viewer loyalty in a crowded marketplace.

For Smith himself, there may be personal and professional implications. More appearances mean more workload, more visibility, and potentially more pressure. But they also mean more influence, more reach, and importantly more longevity. Instead of being tied to a single timeslot or show, Smith now becomes a more pervasive voice within the network’s ecosystem. That fosters future opportunities — perhaps beyond commentary: hosting, producing, digital content creation, maybe even content outside of strictly basketball commentary. This deal could thus be a springboard into a broader media career for him.

The communal aspect among his peers also bears noting. Studio shows thrive on chemistry and continuity. Smith’s long tenure on Inside the NBA means he has deep relationships with his fellow analysts and hosts. Extending his role across First Take may introduce a new dynamic, but also offers opportunities for collaboration, crossover segments, guest appearances, and network synergy. That network synergy benefits not just Smith, but the network and fellow talent as well.

While the precise financial terms of Smith’s deal may not be public, the very fact that it is multi-year and program-expanding suggests a strong endorsement by ESPN. It suggests they see Smith as more than simply one on-air talent—they see him as a brand partner, as someone who can help build and sustain studio programming. That kind of thinking mirrors broader industry trends: talent is not static; networks look for strategic partners in commentary, not just commentators. In that sense, Smith’s new deal places him in a more strategic role within ESPN’s sports-media operations.

The deal also sends a message about basketball-specific broadcasting. Even as the NBA rights ecosystem becomes fractal with multiple networks and streaming platforms, studio analysis remains a key driver of engagement and fan retention. Networks understand that while games are the primary product, studio shows shape narratives, fan conversations, and ultimately viewership. By investing in Smith, ESPN acknowledges that high-quality, personality-driven studio commentary is a vital piece of the overall basketball media puzzle.

From an industry observer’s vantage point, one should watch how Smith’s appearances across these shows evolve: how often he appears, what types of segments he undertakes, how his role differs between First Take and Inside the NBA, and how his presence influences ratings, viewer perception, and social-media conversation. The success of this deal will likely be judged not only by how frequently Smith appears, but by how effectively his appearances drive viewership engagement, brand cross-pollination, and network performance.

In the smaller lens of sports commentary, this move may also affect how commentators negotiate future contracts. Multi-program deals could become more common. Talent may seek to diversify their roles rather than remain tied to a single show. Networks, in turn, might structure contracts such that analysts appear across multiple programs, digital platforms, and social media, reflecting the multi-platform nature of engagement today. Smith’s deal here may be a harbinger of this evolution.

Looking ahead, one can speculate about how Smith might leverage this extended role. He might host new segments, be part of digital-first content, engage with international audiences via streaming platforms, or cover crossover topics (culture, pop-culture, social commentary) that intersect with basketball. His brand may expand accordingly. For ESPN, the network may leverage his breadth across programs to create special events, cross-show promotions, and brand alignments that enhance both his presence and the network’s basketball studio footprint.

Finally, there’s an emotional and symbolic dimension. For fans who have grown accustomed to seeing Smith on Inside the NBA, this expanded role feels like recognition of his contributions and an opportunity to see more of him. For Smith himself, this deal is a mark of respect: of how far he has come, how much he is valued, and how his voice continues to matter. In the ever-changing world of sports media, where suits shift, formats change, and platforms evolve, the fact that a commentator’s role can expand rather than contract is noteworthy. This is a signal of stability, of relevance, and of forward momentum.

In sum, the multi-year agreement that sees Kenny Smith expand his presence across ESPN’s programming — from First Take to Inside the NBA and perhaps beyond — is a significant milestone. It reflects his individual growth, the network’s strategic thinking, and the broader dynamics of sports media evolution. For Smith, it means more platform, more influence, and more opportunity. For ESPN, it means harnessing a trusted voice across multiple marquee shows. For fans, it means more of the commentary they value, delivered across the formats they engage with. And for the industry, it may mark yet another shift toward multi-platform, cross-program talent deals that mirror how audiences consume sports commentary today.