We know Stephen A. Smith as the voice of NBA fire takes, headline-worthy rants, and unmatched on-air energy. But now, the longtime ESPN host and face of First Take is making headlines for something completely different — he’s seriously considering a run for President of the United States.
Speaking live at the NAB Show 2025 in Las Vegas, Smith pulled back the curtain on a surprising wave of conversations he’s been having behind the scenes.
“Unfortunately, over the last few weeks, I’ve had no choice but to get a bit more serious about it,” he revealed. “I’ve been approached by people on Capitol Hill. I’ve been approached by elected officials — governors, mayors, what have you — and people have legitimately and seriously asked me about it.”
The admission caught the room off guard. While Stephen A. clarified that he has no desire to become a politician, he says the door to a presidential run is officially open.
“I’m gonna keep my options open. I’m gonna entertain the possibility,” he said. “If it comes in late 2026, 2027, where I look at this country and I think it’s an absolute mess… I’m not gonna rule that out. And I’m not playing.”
From First Take to the Campaign Trail?
Smith isn’t shy about the fact that he’d be entering the race without a political background. But he sees that as an advantage, especially if he ends up on a debate stage with traditional candidates.
“Let me hunker down for two or three months — I’ll know the issues,” he said. “Then imagine me on a debate stage with these politicians. This is what I do for a living.”
He continued with the kind of intensity NBA fans know all too well:
“I am not a politician. I don’t have a political record for them to lean on. They all do. Which means I get to look at your record and challenge whether you can legitimately say — not just with the cameras rolling — that you actually operated in the best interest of America. I wish they would try to pull that in front of my face. Good luck with that.”
Opinion & Analysis
Whether he actually runs or not, Stephen A. entering the political conversation is already shaking things up. In the NBA world, we’re used to watching him dismantle weak arguments and call out mediocrity with zero hesitation. That same fire on a political debate stage? It’s no wonder people are suddenly picturing it.
For now, it’s all talk — but if the country keeps trending in the wrong direction, Stephen A. says don’t be shocked if he suits up for something way bigger than First Take.
