ESPN Star Marty Smith Lands Broadcasting Gig With TNT Sports

Longtime ESPN reporter and host Marty Smith has landed a gig with another network.

Smith has been with ESPN since 2006, covering the Masters at Augusta National, the starting gate at Churchill Downs and all the latest news in the SEC. Prior to joining the Worldwide leader In Sports, he was senior writer for NASCAR.com.

"Marty is one of our most versatile and distinctive voices – a relentless reporter and storyteller who consistently elevates ESPN's coverage of college football, golf, and other major events," said Mike McQuade, ESPN's Executive Vice President of Sports Production. "His unique ability to connect with interview subjects allows our viewers to better understand athletes, coaches, and other prominent figures beyond their on-field performances."

Well, Smith is returning to his roots. According to Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal, TNT Sports has signed Smith to a deal that'll allow him to host five Cup Series races this summer.

TNT will kick off its NASCAR coverage on June 28 at Sonoma Raceway. The network will then cover races at Chicagoland, Echopark, North Wilkesboro and Indianapolis.

This won't impact Marty Smith's future at ESPN.

A little over a month ago, ESPN signed Smith to a multi-year extension.

"Working at ESPN is such an immense joy," Smith said in a press release. "I can't believe it's been 20 years. I walked in the door in 2006 with no concept of how to make television. I went to ESPN University, and I learned very quickly that television is a team sport, especially given the platforms and pressure our company commands, and the excellence it demands. My gratitude to Jimmy Pitaro, Burke Magnus and Mike McQuade is immeasurable. Likewise, my admiration for the countless talented show producers, feature producers and field generals who live in the mud with me every day is boundless. The most talented group in television, who have always championed the professional and the person I am and strive to be."

Smith will remain a key player in ESPN's coverage of college football this fall, make no mistake about it.

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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 6:44 AM.