Part 7/9:
Even amidst financial turmoil, ESPN made headlines announcing a groundbreaking deal with sports commentator Stephen A. Smith amounting to $100 million over five years. This all comes while various other commentators and analysts faced layoffs—a controversial move that underscores the network's muddled priorities in the face of declining viewership numbers.
Instead of prioritizing engaging sports coverage, criticism has arisen regarding an apparent pivot towards political discussions in sporting shows, further alienating a frustrated fanbase clamoring for analysis that remains rooted in sports rather than politics.