Stephen A. Smith has never shied away from expressing his desire to expand beyond the realm of sports punditry.
As his prominence on ESPN continues to grow, he has mentioned various interests, including a potential move to late-night television.
Interestingly, an opportunity within the Disney network may be on the horizon for him. Jimmy Kimmel has hinted at the possibility of retiring after his contract expires in 2026. In a recent conversation with Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, Smith expressed keen interest in assuming Kimmel’s late-night slot if asked by Disney executives, including chairman Bob Iger.
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Stephen A. Smith sounds like a man contemplating a move from ESPN—even if he stays within the aegis of ESPN’s parent, Walt Disney Co.
During Smith’s appearance at the BSM Summit Wednesday, I asked him about Jimmy Kimmel’s comment last month that the late night host might retire after his current contract expires in 2026. Fifteen months ago, Smith told Sean Hannity that he’d “love” to be considered “heir” to Kimmel. Is that still the case?
“I’d be very interested in succeeding him,” Smith answered. But only if his bosses at Disney, such as chairman Bob Iger, asked him to follow in Kimmel’s footsteps as ABC’s late night star.
While Smith’s late-night TV experience is limited, he did guest host an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2021, where he entertained audiences with humorous takes on trends like the milk crate challenge.
With Smith’s contract with ESPN set to conclude in the summer of 2025, his future endeavors remain uncertain. However, by expressing his willingness to explore new opportunities, particularly within the Disney family, he’s making his aspirations known to his superiors.