Veteran sportscaster Molly Qerim is reportedly in the final few months of her tenure on “ESPN First Take,” the popular sports debate show.
According to Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal, Qerim turned down a new contract from ESPN and plans to leave the network at the end of 2025.
“Molly Qerim, the host of ESPN’s “First Take” since 2015, is leaving the network at the end of the year, sources tell SBJ,” Karp reported on September 15.
“Qerim first started at ESPN in 2006 working on digital/mobile efforts before moving over to the news team in 2008. Sources tell SBJ that ESPN offered Qerim a contract, but she chose to move on. SBJ last year named “First Take” one of the 25 best current sports studio shows.”
Nearly Two Decades at ESPN
If Karp’s report is to be believed, Qerim will be leaving ESPN after nearly two decades on the network. The UConn alum joined ESPN in 2006 as an interactive host of “College Football Live” and a reporter for “Fantasy Football Now,” while also taking on other digital/content roles for the network.
She first became a fill-in host for “ESPN First Take” in the summer of 2015, before ultimately becoming the full-time host after Cari Champion, the previous anchor, began hosting “SportsCenter” and other shows. Before joining ESPN in 2006, the Connecticut native worked at CBS Sports Network and NFL Network in various capacities.
Over the years, Qerim became a favorite of Stephen A Smith and other analysts involved on “ESPN First Take,” often drawing praise for her ability to host the show. Smith has also regularly praised Qerim’s colorful outfit choices.
Earning Praise from Peers
“I’ve told everybody in America that I know,” Smith said of Qerim’s outfit choices, via Sports Illustrated.
“Anytime anybody asks, I will tell them, I will stand down with this. When it comes to fashion, I’m talking about knowing fashion, and knowing what you’re supposed to be wearing and when you’re supposed to be wearing it. I’ve told everybody who will listen. Ain’t nobody better than Molly. I’ll give you that. Ain’t no doubt. Ain’t no doubt. Fashionista.”
The on-air chemistry between Smith and Qerim fueled dating rumors, which both jokingly addressed during an episode of “ESPN First Take” in April 2024.
“There’s nothing going on. You understand?” Smith said, via Awful Announcing. “America’s been lying about that for years.”
“Here’s the upside to all of that: they know my taste. So therefore they know that it’s a compliment to her,” Smith added. “And obviously she has great taste as well, so I guess that’s America’s way of saying we both really really look good. That’s why you can do that. Because they lie all the time, they don’t know what the hell they’re talking about. But it does mean that First Take not only is the No. 1 show because of our content, but we look the part.”
Qerim said, “You know what’s the funniest part? Is people actually believe it.”