If the Democratic Party has a problem drawing young men who believe that the excesses of wokeness have left them behind, could there be a more appealing figure than the guy they’ve been watching argue about sports for the past decade?

Ever since news broke last fall that ESPN and ABC would air the iconic Inside the NBA studio show on its platforms beginning in the 2025-26 season, basketball fans have wondered whether The Worldwide Leader would tinker with the show.

Momentum around ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith launching a White House run in 2028 has grabbed the attention of one of the Democratic Party’s top figures. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday there is “a lot to like” about a presidential ticket with Smith at the top of it.