Reports Claimed Stephen A. Smith Was Dropped From ESPN’s NBA Countdown, But He Says Not So Fast

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With the NBA season underway and the 2025 TV schedule established, basketball coverage is back on television. ESPN now features Inside the NBA after reaching a deal with TNT last year. NBA Countdown is also returning, and the show recently announced its hosts for the season. Notably, Stephen A. Smith wasn’t on that list, and reports surfaced that he had been removed from the program. Now, Smith is clarifying the situation.

ESPN announced back in October that Malika Andrews and Kendrick Perkins, both well-known from NBA Countdown, would be joined by Denver Nuggets’ former coach Mike Malone this season. Now, they’ve shared that Brian Windhorst, a senior basketball writer, is also joining the show after signing a new multi-year contract. Shams Charania, who became a contributor earlier this year, will be back as well to provide the latest NBA news.

When the initial announcement was made, Stephen A. Smith wasn’t mentioned, and there was no official reason given for why. After seeing reports about his absence from the show, Countdown, Smith explained the situation on his radio program. He shared the business reasons for no longer appearing regularly on the basketball show – you can find the full explanation on YouTube.

I recently finalized a new five-year agreement with ESPN. The negotiations took place over several months, from June 2024 to April 2025. I actually wanted to step away from being a regular on the show. While I enjoy working on NBA Countdown, I have other priorities once the show ends. I’d rather focus on preparing for First Take and pursuing other projects I’m passionate about than spend my time in the studio covering games and appearing during halftime.

Stephen A. Smith, who has worked with the sports network since 2003, emphasized that he’s still under contract with them after recently signing a $100 million extension. He noted his increasing presence on Monday Night Countdown, the network’s NFL coverage show. Smith, also the host of First Take, explained that his work now includes commitments to his sports radio program, a political news show, and his expanding production company.

Stephen A. Smith complimented several people during his commentary, including Malika Andrews, whom he called “fabulous,” and Kendrick Perkins, referring to him as his “brother.” He also praised coach Mike Malone. Smith acknowledged the Inside the NBA team, stating they were as talented as his own NBA Countdown colleagues and didn’t require his participation. Despite this, he’s previously expressed willingness to appear on both Inside and Countdown if invited.

I’m available to appear on NBA Countdown in Los Angeles if needed. My contract actually includes a certain number of days I’m required to be there, but it’s not a full-time commitment.

Stephen A. Smith will still make occasional appearances on the show, but he won’t be a regular panelist because of his other commitments. The show, Countdown – which was previously expected to end – will definitely have a different feel without him. However, Smith seems happy with the new arrangement and believes his fellow commentators can successfully lead the show going forward.

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2025-11-19 20:38