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ESPN to launch alternate NBA telecast hosted by Stephen A. Smith

Cole Thompson

By Cole Thompson

Published:

Stephen A. Smith is getting the Manning treatment.

According to Front Office Sports, ESPN will be giving the veteran broadcaster a new show titled “NBA in Stephen A’s World” starting on Oct. 26. The show will be produced by Peyton Manning’s production company, Omaha Productions, and is expected to air on ESPN2.

The concept seems to be similar to that of ESPN’s current ‘Manningcast’ for the NBA. Smith, who also hosts First Take on ESPN, would likely provide commentary on the game while interviewing former NBA stars and celebrities that have ties to the franchises playing that evening.

Since 2021, the Manningcast has brought in rave reviews in large part due to the chemistry between Peyton and his brother, Eli. In its inaugural season, the program generated an average viewership of 1.58 million per game, according to the Sports Business Journal. Thanks to their long-standing success both on and off the field, the Mannings have been able to bring in top-notch guests such as LeBron James, Tom Brady, Condoleezza Rice, David Letterman, Pat McAfee and others.

Omaha Productions initially signed a 3-year deal with ESPN at the beginning of the 2021 season for the Manningcast. The deal for Smith’s similar show has not been officially announced as of this time.

Cole Thompson

Cole Thompson is a freelance writer for Saturday Tradition who has covered college football and the NFL for multiple websites. Thompson is currently based in Houston, Texas, and also can be heard daily on SportsMap National Radio's 'Just Sayin It' from 3am-6am.