ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has revealed he now no longer has to seek the network's permission to discuss certain topics outside of sports after signing a new deal with the broadcaster

Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith is taking on a new role in Democratic politics as the party searches for its identity after its loss to President Trump in November. Smith expressed

Not yet ready to launch a political campaign in earnest, Stephen A. Smith will stick with ESPN for the next five years. The Athletic reports Smith and ESPN have agreed on a new contract “worth at least $100 million.

According to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, Smith agreed with ESPN on a new $100 million contract for the next five years. Smith — who previously made $12 million per year — would see a pay bump along with more opportunities to discuss politics on other networks.

Smith, a former newspaper beat reporter who rose to fame by pioneering the art of the sports debate show, has agreed with ESPN on a new five-year, $100 million contract, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to CNBC. The deal was first reported by The Athletic .

Stephen A. Smith officially agreed to a five-year contract extension worth over $100 million with ESPN on Thursday. The deal bumps the 57-year-old's annual salary from $12 million to $20 million, and keeps him as the face of First Take while freeing up the rest of his schedule to " talk even more about politics ."