Kenny Smith Signs Multi-Year ESPN Deal to Appear on First Take, NBA Countdown and Select Games

ESPN announced the agreement on Nov. 5, positioning Smith as a primary contributor to First Take with additional roles across its NBA coverage. Smith debuted as a guest on NBA Countdown the night of the announcement, joining Malika Andrews, Kendrick Perkins and Michael Malone before ESPN’s doubleheader. The deal includes select game analyst assignments, adding live broadcast duties to Smith’s studio work. Smith’s ESPN role is separate from Inside the NBA, which remains produced by Warner Bros. Discovery and now airs on ESPN under a licensing arrangement. There is no indication that Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal or Ernie Johnson will make similar moves, as Inside the NBA expands to a fuller schedule starting Jan. 24.