ESPN has made a major decision with host and reporter Malik Andrews.
The move comes after Molly Qerim stunningly quit First Take after working for the debate program since 2015.
Molly Qerim stunningly quit First Take this week after being the host of the debate program for over a decade[/caption]
ESPN has extended numerous on-air stars recently, and the latest one is a familiar face.
Malika Andrews has become one of the faces of the network’s basketball coverage.
She has been a star since joining the network in 2018 as a reporter, and later became the host of NBA Today and NBA Countdown.
On Tuesday, ESPN announced the multi-year extension of Andrews.
The new contract will allow the 30-year-old to continue working on Countdown, the NBA Draft, NBA Today, and WNBA Countdown.
Andrews will now make more appearances as a sideline reporter for games once again.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro appeared on Front Office Sports’ annual sports summit and confirmed Andrews’ contract extension while calling her a “rising star.”
Andrews became ESPN’s youngest sideline reporter in 2020.
And she was the first woman to host the NBA Draft in 2022.
Andrews replaced Mike Greenberg as the new host of Countdown in the following year.
The decision on Andrews comes after Qerim abruptly departed from ESPN.
She was absent from her First Take duties on Tuesday as her longtime colleague Stephen A. Smith revealed the news to TV viewers.
On Tuesday, Qerim shared that the news breaking Monday night came as a surprise.
“Now that the news came out earlier than I intended,” Qerim posted. “And not in the way I hoped…”
“After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take.”
ESPN had offered Qerim a new contract to stay on.
She was expected to continue her First Take duties until the summer.
But Smith was forced to take over Qerim’s hosting duties on Tuesday.
The longtime host was a fan-favorite on the debate show.
She made sure to inform her fans to look out for her next career venture.
“I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes.
“Stay tuned. With love and gratitude, Molly.”
