NBA analyst Kenny Smith has reportedly reached an agreement with ESPN that will see him take on an expanded role across the network’s basketball coverage.
According to reports, “Kenny Smith has signed a deal with ESPN which will involve more appearances on the network’s shows.”
Despite this new arrangement, Smith is not leaving his longtime home at TNT – he will “remain a TNT employee and will continue to appear on Inside The NBA,” a program that, under this season’s media arrangements, is “licensed to ESPN.”
The new collaboration means Smith will be a more familiar face on ESPN programming.
He is set to join popular debate show First Take, and he will also make regular appearances on the pregame and halftime show NBA Countdown.
In addition, “the former NBA guard will also be an analyst on select ESPN games throughout the season,” bringing his trademark insight and on-court experience to live broadcasts.
Kenny Smith Signs Separate Deal For More ESPN Appearances https://t.co/WQiwq5M9Dq
— RealGM (@RealGM) November 6, 2025
