Stephen A. Smith says he is nearing a deal to broadcast HBCU basketball games, revealing the potential move while responding publicly to criticism from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
Smith, one of the most recognizable personalities in sports media, said his production company is close to finalizing an agreement that would put HBCU basketball games on a platform connected to his growing media operation.
“I’m about to ink a deal where we’re broadcasting HBCU basketball games,” Smith said. “I’m going to need some Black folks working for me as talent, as producers, and beyond—that’s what I’m doing!”
Smith did not identify which schools, conferences, networks or streaming platforms would be involved in the potential agreement. He also did not provide a timetable for when the games could begin airing.
Still, the revelation is significant considering the size of Smith’s audience and his expanding footprint beyond his longtime role at ESPN.
Stephen A. ties HBCU project to broader media plans
The HBCU broadcasting announcement came during a lengthy response to the NABJ, which recently gave Smith its “Thumbs Down Award.” Smith strongly objected to the organization’s criticism while also stressing that his disagreement was aimed at specific board members rather than NABJ as a whole.
Smith pointed repeatedly to his history of supporting Black journalists and creating opportunities behind the scenes.
He said future HBCU broadcasts would require Black talent, producers and other media professionals. Smith also referenced multiple television projects that have been green-lit and a podcast network that he is building.
Smith said the HBCU basketball project is part of a larger commitment to creating opportunities and increasing exposure.
“It’s not going to stop me from continuing to be the ambassador for HBCU Week, and do everything that I can to help HBCUs generate money, notoriety, etc.,” Smith said before revealing the pending basketball agreement.
HBCU support remains part of Smith’s message
Smith has previously worked with HBCU Week, an organization focused on increasing college access and scholarship opportunities. In his remarks, he credited the organization’s founder with generating more than $100 million to assist thousands of students attending HBCUs.
The potential broadcasting deal could give Stephen A. another direct connection to the HBCU space, this time through live sports content.
It would also place Smith in a rapidly evolving HBCU media landscape where schools and conferences continue looking for ways to expand distribution, increase visibility and create more direct value from their athletic programs.
For now, the biggest details remain unanswered.
Smith did not say who he is negotiating with, how many HBCU games could be included or where fans would be able to watch them. HBCU Gameday is currently working to find this out.
But his comments made one thing clear: the project has moved beyond the idea stage.
While defending his record against NABJ criticism, Stephen A. revealed that HBCU basketball could soon become part of his expanding media portfolio. He suggests Black journalists and production professionals expected to play a role both in front of and behind the camera.