Stephen A. Smith Off ‘NBA Countdown’ in ESPN Surprise
Stephen A. Smith Off ‘NBA Countdown’: What Happened?
ESPN recently stunned basketball fans and sports media followers by announcing a revamped lineup for its popular pregame show, NBA Countdown. Among the most notable changes is the absence of Stephen A. Smith, a longtime and influential voice on the program. This shift marks a significant departure from the usual format, as Smith has been a staple of ESPN’s NBA coverage for years.
The new-look NBA Countdown team, which debuted on November 19, 2025, features a fresh mix of talent. Third-year host Malika Andrews now leads the show, joined by senior ESPN writer Brian Windhorst, 2023 NBA Champion head coach Michael Malone, and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins as analysts. Additionally, ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania continues to make regular appearances, providing insider updates and breaking news.
Stephen A. Smith’s absence from the lineup is particularly striking because he has not appeared on the show during the preseason or the regular season so far. Despite his executive producer role and lucrative contract with ESPN, Smith’s on-air presence on NBA Countdown has been noticeably missing.
Background and Context of the Change
This change comes amid broader shifts in NBA coverage rights and programming strategies at ESPN. The network recently added Inside the NBA, a highly acclaimed show from TNT featuring Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. This program has already been integrated into many of ESPN’s big-game broadcasts and will play a major role during the playoffs and NBA Finals.
Stephen A. Smith remains a prominent figure at ESPN, hosting First Take and producing content across multiple platforms, including Sirius XM radio and his own YouTube show, The Stephen A. Smith Show. His contract reportedly pays him $21 million, reflecting his status as one of the network’s top talents.
Despite the surprise of his removal from NBA Countdown, Smith has not publicly commented on the change. Fans and media observers are left to speculate about the reasons behind this decision and what it means for his future involvement with ESPN’s NBA coverage.
What This Means for NBA Fans and ESPN Coverage
The revamped NBA Countdown lineup aims to bring a fresh perspective to ESPN’s NBA game nights. With Malika Andrews at the helm and a diverse group of analysts, the show is expected to offer insightful commentary and in-depth analysis throughout the season.
Stephen A. Smith’s absence may disappoint some longtime viewers who appreciate his passionate and often bold takes on basketball topics. However, the new team’s dynamic could attract a broader audience and enhance the overall viewing experience.
As ESPN continues to evolve its NBA programming, fans can expect a blend of established voices and new talents shaping the conversation around the league’s biggest games.
Conclusion
Stephen A. Smith’s removal from NBA Countdown represents a notable shift in ESPN’s NBA coverage strategy. While the network introduces a new-look team to lead its pregame and halftime shows, Smith remains a key figure in sports media through his other projects. NBA fans should stay tuned to see how this change impacts the quality and style of ESPN’s basketball broadcasts moving forward. For the latest updates on NBA coverage and sports entertainment news, be sure to follow our site regularly. Don’t miss out—subscribe now to stay informed!
