Michelle Smallmon – ESPN Contract, Net Worth, Detailed Information: Everything You Need to Know
Michelle Smallmon has carved out a real spot for herself in sports media, especially at ESPN. As of 2025, her estimated net worth falls between $1 million and $2 million, mostly from her work at ESPN Radio.
Her journey from local radio to national platforms has caught the eye of plenty of sports fans. She’s become a familiar name thanks to her steady presence and thoughtful commentary.
Smallmon’s career took a leap when she signed a major deal with ESPN, which brought her better pay and a bigger spotlight. Over time, her reputation and earnings have grown alongside her audience.
If you’re looking for numbers, here’s a quick breakdown:
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Major Deal | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.5 million | – | ESPN Radio Host |
| 2024 | $2 million | ESPN Contract | ESPN Radio, Podcasts |
Contents
Michelle Smallmon’s Current ESPN Contract
Michelle Smallmon has expanded her role at ESPN, taking on high-profile radio hosting gigs and branching out behind the scenes. Her contract details reflect her status as a respected sports media personality and show how much she’s grown within the network.
ESPN Role and Responsibilities
Smallmon co-hosts national ESPN Radio programs. You’ll hear her regularly on morning shows, where she adds to on-air discussions and sometimes helps out with production.
She covers a range of sports, but people probably know her best for her football and baseball coverage. Interviews and live broadcasts are part of her regular routine.
Smallmon’s calm, analytical style makes her stand out among ESPN’s radio hosts. She also pops up in digital segments and on ESPN’s social media, sharing her perspective with a wider crowd.
She adapts well to different show formats and works with all kinds of hosts and producers.
Duration and Renewal History
Michelle Smallmon signed her current contract with ESPN in 2021. That deal marked a big step in her broadcasting career, connecting her with some of the network’s biggest shows.
The original contract covered two years—2021 and 2022. After negotiations in late 2022, ESPN renewed her deal, reportedly because the network valued her contributions.
Her current term is expected to last through at least 2024. ESPN hasn’t shared the details, but insiders say her renewals usually happen quietly, which probably means both sides are happy with the arrangement.
Reported Terms and Compensation
Industry sources estimate Michelle Smallmon’s yearly salary at ESPN falls between $150,000 and $250,000, sometimes with bonuses based on ratings or special segments. In 2021, her major ESPN deal reportedly paid her $250,000, with bumps after renewal.
By 2024, she’s likely earning at the higher end of that range. Her net worth, built over years in sports media, sits between $1.5 and $2 million as of 2025.
These numbers are in line with what other experienced ESPN radio hosts make, according to College Net Worth and Florida Hot Topics.
Table: Estimated ESPN Contract and Net Worth
| Year | Reported Salary | Net Worth Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $250,000 | $1.0M |
| 2022 | $150,000 | $1.5M |
| 2024 | Up to $250,000 | $2.0M |
Michelle Smallmon Net Worth Overview
Michelle Smallmon has built a strong reputation in sports media. Her financial achievements show what’s possible with dedication in a tough industry.
Net Worth Estimate
Michelle Smallmon’s net worth is estimated at $1 million to $2 million as of 2025. That’s based on several industry sources and lines up with public salary data for broadcasters.
Current estimates show her wealth has stayed steady, thanks to her long-term role at ESPN and similar gigs. Her annual salary, along with bonuses and contract incentives, adds up over time.
These numbers aren’t exact—earnings in media can shift with new contracts and side projects.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $1.5 million |
| 2025 | $1–2 million |
Smallmon sits among the more successful radio and sports broadcasters in her age group. She’s not quite in the earnings bracket of national TV anchors, but she’s done well for herself.
Income Sources Beyond ESPN
Michelle Smallmon’s main job at ESPN brings in most of her income. But she’s also earned money from other radio shows, guest analyst roles, and public speaking for media brands.
She’s worked on podcasts, shown up at sports events, and sometimes written columns. These extras pull in additional revenue and let her use her network and expertise.
Paid guest spots, sponsored appearances, and podcast ads are common ways sports media folks make money. With her experience and reputation, Smallmon is a frequent pick for these gigs, which helps her maintain her estimated net worth even as the industry shifts.
Professional Background Prior to ESPN
Michelle Smallmon built her sports broadcasting reputation long before ESPN. Her early radio work and key hosting roles paved the way for her national move.
Early Career in Broadcasting
Smallmon got her start in St. Louis, Missouri. She began as a producer and eventually became an on-air host at 101 ESPN, the city’s flagship sports radio station.
Her eye for detail and communication skills helped her stand out early. She was part of the 101 ESPN launch team and quickly moved from producing to public-facing roles.
She anchored news updates and contributed to shows, earning trust at the station and among St. Louis sports fans. Her persistence and work ethic shaped her early career.
Major Career Milestones
One big highlight from her time at 101 ESPN was co-hosting the popular morning show “Karraker & Smallmon.” Her chemistry with Randy Karraker and her knack for breaking down sports stories made the show a local favorite.
She landed interviews with both local and national athletes. Smallmon’s segments stood out for their depth, and her work helped boost the station’s profile.
Here are a few of her career milestones:
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch team member at 101 ESPN | Helped launch new sports radio station |
| Transitioned from producer to host | Showed fast career growth |
| Morning show “Karraker & Smallmon” co-host | Grew audience, strong listener reviews |
| Notable interviews | Featured athletes and industry leaders |
Her impact in St. Louis opened doors to national opportunities at ESPN.
Media Appearances and Notable Projects
Michelle Smallmon’s career includes a mix of standout media appearances and creative projects. She connects with listeners and works well with other broadcasters, which really sets her apart.
Featured Shows and Collaborations
Smallmon made her mark at ESPN on flagship programs and through collaborations with top talent. She’s probably best known for co-hosting “Karraker & Smallmon” on 101 ESPN St. Louis, where she mixed insight and personality into daily sports talk.
That show became a staple for local listeners and earned her plenty of respect. At ESPN Radio, Smallmon contributed to national segments, working with experienced hosts on “Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin” and helping with “ESPN Radio Morning” programming.
She’s shown she can adapt to different partners and keep a broad audience engaged.
Here’s a look at some of her main show roles:
| Show | Network | Role | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karraker & Smallmon | 101 ESPN | Co-Host | 2019–2022 |
| Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin | ESPN Radio | Contributor | 2020–2021 |
| ESPN Radio Morning Segments | ESPN Radio | Contributor | 2021–2022 |
Podcast Hosting and Guest Appearances
Smallmon’s also found her groove in podcasting. She co-hosted the “Small Talk Podcast”, where she offered analysis and interviews on all sorts of sports topics.
The podcast stood out for its friendly tone and steady release schedule. Beyond her own shows, she’s appeared as a guest on sports podcasts from ESPN and other networks.
These guest spots let her share her takes on big sporting events, media trends, and what it’s like for women in sports broadcasting.
Her podcast work helped her reach a digital audience and made her a more recognizable voice. People seem to appreciate her conversational style and focus on storytelling.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Michelle Smallmon hasn’t picked up major national broadcasting awards like the Marconi or Gracie Awards as of 2025. Still, she’s respected in sports radio for her professionalism and steady climb.
Peer Recognition
- Colleagues often mention her for sharp analysis and a strong work ethic.
- She’s been invited as a guest speaker on panels and at broadcasting workshops.
Industry Highlights
- Received internal recognition at ESPN and local stations for top listener engagement.
- Frequently highlighted as a role model for women entering sports media.
Here’s a summary of some recognitions:
| Recognition Type | Organization/Outlet | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Listener Engagement Citation | ESPN Radio | 2023, 2024 |
| Local Media Veteran Highlight | St. Louis Sports Radio | 2022 |
| Panel Guest, Sports Media Events | National Broadcasting Assoc. | Multiple |
Her regular presence at events and steady ratings show her positive impact in the industry. While she doesn’t have a shelf full of trophies, Smallmon’s career is marked by respect from listeners, coworkers, and industry peers.
Educational Background
Michelle Smallmon grew up in the Midwest and went to the University of Illinois. Her time there helped shape her early broadcasting skills.
She earned a Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism and got involved with student media and college sports coverage. That hands-on experience gave her a solid foundation for her radio career.
Internships at local radio stations were a highlight of her academic years. Those real-world experiences helped her build connections and get ready for the fast pace of sports media.
Education Overview
| Institution | Degree | Field of Study | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois | Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) | Broadcast Journalism | Student Radio, Sports Coverage, Internships |
Michelle’s college years were driven by focus and ambition. Her path was pretty direct and matched her long-term career goals.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Michelle Smallmon uses her platform to give back. She supports local and national causes and often raises awareness through her work in sports media.
She’s active with the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The V Foundation, founded by ESPN and coach Jim Valvano, funds cancer research and supports patients.
Michelle has jumped in on charity fundraising events to help push this mission forward. She doesn’t just talk about helping—she really shows up.
She’s also passionate about promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles. Michelle set a personal goal: complete 50 half-marathons in 50 states.
With every race, she raises money for nonprofit groups. This campaign highlights her dedication to community service and wellness.
You can find details about her charitable runs in local news stories. It’s honestly inspiring to see someone channel their energy like this.
Key Areas of Involvement:
- Supporting cancer research and awareness
- Raising money for local and national charities
- Encouraging fitness and healthy living
Philanthropic Highlights Table
| Initiative | Organization | Involvement Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Research | V Foundation | Fundraising, advocacy |
| 50 Half-Marathons in 50 States | Local Charities | Volunteer, fundraiser |
Personal Life and Interests
Michelle Smallmon grew up in Belleville, Illinois. Family has always played a big role in her life.
She loves spending time with her close circle of relatives and friends. Honestly, it seems like she values those connections just as much as anything else.
She attended the University of Illinois. While there, she dove right into campus media, which really steered her toward broadcasting.
Smallmon’s got a real passion for music. When she’s not working in sports radio, you’ll probably find her at a live show somewhere.
She’s a fan of all sorts of genres—classic rock, pop, and whatever else catches her ear.
Favorite Hobbies:
- Attending concerts
- Traveling to new cities
- Reading nonfiction books
- Trying new restaurants
Her social media is basically a highlight reel of her travels and food adventures. She’s also genuinely supportive of local charities and sports initiatives.
Key Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Belleville, Illinois |
| College | University of Illinois |
| Main Interests | Music, travel, sports |
| Family | Close family ties |
