Stephen A. Smith Confirms Shannon Sharpe's Upcoming First Take Debut

• Stephen A. gets real on First Take's new roster addition

• Shannon Sharpe adding buzz and excitement to ESPN network.

• Sharpe slated for two appearances per week on the morning debate show

ESPN has been a staple of ESPN network for years now. The morning show, which stars Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, has been at the top for years now thanks to viral debates, big guest appearances, and the polarizing presence of Stephen A. himself. And now, they'll have a brand new star to incorporate into the lineup: former FOX Sports analyst Shannon Sharpe. 

Stephen A. confirmed on his podcast this Friday that Shannon will make his debut as early as next month. "Shannon Sharpe is now an official member of First Take," said Stephen A. on YouTube Live. "He debuts Monday, September 4th, debating your truly. He'll be debating in front of me, live and in person, face to face or via satellite because I'm in New York and he's in LA."

Smith plans to continue cycling out a rotating crew of guests, like Michael Irving and Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo, but he did admit that Sharpe will be a weekly regular on the show, appearing twice a week or more.

"The bottom line is that Shannon Sharpe and yours truly will be debating every Monday and Tuesday over the live airwaves of ESPN and I'm really, really happy to have him."

ESPN had been undergoing a series of layoffs prior to this hire. It was part of a massive effort from Disney to cut costs and save money amid difficult times and, as a result, we saw many signature and long-time broadcasters lose their jobs.

When it comes to First Take, however, the network is seemingly willing to invest a lot into the show so it can continue to grow and expand its reach. With Shannon Sharpe on board, who was considered one of the best at FOX, First Take is in a good position to build upon the success they've already enjoyed.

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What Is The Future Of ESPN?

With an estimated net worth of roughly $50 billion, ESPN isn't going to lose any ground in the sports media world. In fact, as long as they keep signing big names like Shannon Sharpe and Pat McAfee, they are likely to keep their place at the top.

Meanwhile, shows like First Take will continue to thrive as they generate debate and conversation amongst the fans. Either way, much like the NBA, ESPN is a star-driven entity, and only by supporting the most prominent personalities can they keep rising up the viewership numbers.

Surely, Shannon Sharpe will be another success story for them, but just how big he becomes within the ESPN network will be interesting to see.

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