Who just earned a massive ESPN contract extension as Molly Qerim walks away from First Take

Malika Andrews, 30, signed a new deal with ESPN on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The news came hours after Molly Qerim said she was leaving the network. Qerim shared her exit on Monday night, September 15.

She had hosted First Take since *2015. Andrews will keep leading NBA Today, NBA Countdown, and the NBA Draft. She will also report more from the sidelines.

Malika Andrews agrees to multi-year extension with ESPN

ESPN confirmed the news on Tuesday morning in Bristol, Connecticut. The network said Andrews will stay as a host and reporter. She joined ESPN in 2018. She became known in the 2020 NBA bubble in Orlando.

By the 2023-24 season, she replaced Mike Greenberg on NBA Countdown.

She also anchored NBA Today. The new deal keeps her in those roles. She will also lead Draft coverage. She will appear more during live NBA games.Kendrick Perkins congratulated her online. Dave McMenamin, her husband and fellow ESPN reporter, also praised her. Fans quickly asked if she might take over First Take after Qerim’s exit.

Molly Qerim leaves ESPN after nearly two decades

Molly Qerim, 41, said on Monday night, September 15, 2025, that she was leaving ESPN.

She confirmed the news on Instagram. Reports had already leaked that she was stepping away.Also Read: Cardi B Confirms Pregnancy With Stefon Diggs As Couple Steps Into Spotlight With Big SurpriseShe wrote, “I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take. Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career.” She thanked fans, her team, and called the experience unforgettable.Stephen A. Smith spoke about her exit on First Take on Tuesday, September 16. He told viewers it was “effective immediately.” He said, “Molly is a friend. Molly is a co-worker. We’ve been partners on this show for 10 years. To say that I’m sad is an understatement.”Stephen A. Smith also said ESPN “did not want to lose her.” He made it clear that Molly Qerim chose to leave on her own.