The sports world lit up this week with headlines that caught many by surprise. Molly Qerim, who has been the face of First Take for nearly a decade, officially announced her departure. Fans knew her as the calm presence between heated Stephen A. Smith debates. She confirmed the rumors with an Instagram post, saying, “After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take.” That message marked the end of an unforgettable era.
Her farewell letter carried warmth and gratitude, leaving fans both shocked and emotional. Qerim thanked viewers, colleagues, and even described hosting the show as one of her greatest honors. The reaction online made it clear how much her presence meant. So naturally, the big question now is this: who will carry the moderator’s chair next? That is where Malika Andrews has suddenly entered the conversation. Could she really be the one stepping in?
Hours after Qerim’s announcement, ESPN dropped another major bombshell about Andrews. The network revealed, “ESPN has reached a multi-year extension with Sports Emmy Award-winning host & reporter @malika_andrews.” For fans, the timing felt almost too perfect. Andrews has been one of ESPN’s rising stars since joining in 2018. From reporting inside the NBA Bubble to hosting NBA Countdown and NBA Today, her resume speaks for itself. But does that mean she’s about to slide into Qerim’s old seat?
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That’s where things get complicated. Andrews already juggles a massive portfolio at ESPN, covering everything from the NBA Draft to WNBA Countdown. Adding First Take to her load might stretch her thin, and executives know it. She is already seen as the network’s basketball centerpiece. While her talent could elevate First Take, her role is not shifting there, at least for now. Instead, the show’s long-term future might be decided elsewhere.
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Well, Malika Andrews’ contract with ESPN was set to expire in late 2025, and negotiations had sparked plenty of whispers. With the NBA’s $76 billion media expansion reshaping the industry, some believed she might jump ship for a bigger opportunity. Reports even floated NBC and Amazon Prime as possible suitors. Yet ESPN ultimately locked her in, confirming her value as a multimedia star. That decision has only fueled the idea that she could be positioned as Molly Qerim’s potential successor on First Take.
What Molly’s exit means for ESPN and Malika Andrews’ future
Molly Qerim‘s leaving ESPN opens up a spot that is nearly impossible to fill. She had the rare ability to guide chaos without losing control, a skill that made her irreplaceable. ESPN President Burke Magnus even said, “Molly has been an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of First Take’s success since joining as host a decade ago.” With such a legacy, fans wonder if anyone can truly balance the desk the way she did.
That brings us back to Malika Andrews. While her new contract confirms her importance, ESPN may keep her focused on basketball coverage. She has become one of the most visible hosts across NBA programming, and moving her into First Take could shift that balance. More likely, ESPN will consider other names like Courtney Cronin, Shae Peppler Cornette, or Peter Schrager, figures who have filled in before and shown they can command the set.
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Courtney Cronin especially has been praised when stepping in as a substitute. Social media buzzed with fans saying she looked ready for the permanent role. Meanwhile, Shae Peppler Cornette has impressed with her sharp delivery, though not everyone was convinced. Peter Schrager, known for his NFL work, brings credibility but still feels new to the ESPN debate style. Each candidate carries strengths and challenges, and ESPN knows this decision will define First Take’s next chapter.
So, is Malika Andrews replacing Molly Qerim? At least for now, the answer is no. Andrews is locked into her expanding basketball empire, and ESPN intends to keep it that way. Still, her contract extension shows how much the network values her, perhaps even more than fans realized. For First Take, the search for Qerim’s true heir continues. But for Andrews, the story is already written: she is the face of ESPN basketball, not its debate desk.