ESPN, Stephen A. Smith Closing in On New Deal
variety.comBrian Steinberg Senior TV Editor ESPN and Stephen A. Smith are close to hammering out a new contract that will give the popular Disney sports personality potential access to other parts of the Magic Kingdom.
The two sides, who have been in negotiations for several months, are said to be hopeful they can reach a deal over the next several weeks, according to a person familiar with the situation.
ESPN and Disney have been in talks with Smith to devise a new pact that could involve creating a sort of “first-look” agreement for Smith-backed concepts across Disney’s general-entertainment properties, according to this person and a second familiar with the talks.
A representative for ESPN declined to comment. WME, the agency that represents Smith, was not able to offer immediate comment.
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