It’s simple: $40 million compared to $400,000.The former is how much Stephen A. Smith earns annually from all of his media ventures, the latter is what his salary would be should he serve as President of the United States. As Smith’s flagship program at ESPN undergoes major changes, the 57-year-old may be setting his sights on something far greater.With speculation growing about Smith potentially running as the Democratic nominee for president in 2028, the financial aspect is worth noting.The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand broke down Smith’s earnings, highlighting just how much of a one-man media empire he has become.“His ESPN deal totals five years and $105 million, while his new SiriusXM contract is for three years and $36 million, according to the sources,” Marchand wrote.“The $33 million per year base from his two main employers, combined with the revenue from his YouTube channel and podcast, will result in him approaching $40 million a year.”It’s no secret that Smith has been eager to expand into the political world, and the wording around his new SiriusXM show, which will launch on Wednesday night, has indicated that he will weigh in on political and cultural matters. Marchand believes that Smith will be “launching his bid as a political pundit, if not a Presidential candidate.”Smith has teased a possible 2028 run before, embracing the rumors and the attention. Though he won’t confirm anything, he’s deliberately leaving the door ajar.“I have no desire whatsoever to be a politician,” Smith said in an interview with Front Office Sports.“Life is really, really good and I don’t really want to compromise it at all. But I’ve been asked by various people, including my pastor, including people in this business and others, to keep an open mind because you never know what the state of affairs in this country will be in a couple of years.Smith’s popularity has grown dramatically over the yearsGettySmith just signed a contract with SiriusXM for three years and $36 millionGetty“As a result, they said to me, ‘Could you at least stop saying no? Could you at least say, ‘I’ll leave the door open’ even if you sincerely 99% doubt that you would ever run for office?'”A masterful wordsmith at his best.Smith has in the past made it clear that greater ambitions are still on the horizon.Regarding the financial trade-offs Smith might face if he enters politics, respected journalist Jemele Hill noted that his net worth would likely increase in the long term with a presidential bid.“I encourage you to look at the salaries and net wealth of most Senators at the beginning of their career vs what it looks like when it ends or when they’ve been serving awhile,” Hill wrote on X.“Look at how Trump has personally been able to enhance his wealth. And so many others.NFL's Greatest......Ranking the top 10......Quarterbacks of all-time – Can anyone better Tom Brady?Wide receivers of all-time – Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?Running backs of all-time – Stacking Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and moreTight ends of all-time – How does Travis Kelce compare?“I’m not saying he leaves media behind, but politics presents some unique financial opportunities that he can’t get in media. And let’s not also forget — political power and currency matter.”Hill notes that most politicians tend to increase their net worth the longer they stay in politics, and Smith is doing well enough in that regard as his media empire expands.