Molly Qerim officially confirmed the end of her decade-long journey on First Take, writing in a post, “After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from ‘First Take.’” While Qerim left ESPN briefly to pursue two separate stints with CBS Sports Network and NFL Network, she returned in 2015, became a full-time part of the ‘First Take’ team, and began participating in debates with Stephen A. Smith and other ESPN stars. As Qerim stated, hosting ESPN’s ‘First Take’ was a dream job, since “You’re talking about things you’d be talking about anyway in your free time. We’re all big sports fans”.
Now, despite reports that Qerim was offered a new contract by ESPN, she did not choose to opt in and continue at her ‘dream job’. Therefore, there’s no better time than now to discuss just how much Qerim earned from her decade-long experience at her ‘dream job’.
What is Molly Qerim’s net worth?
As of March 2025, Celebrity Net Worth valued Molly Qerim’s fortune at about $2 million. NBA reporter Joseph Galizia noted that her financial success stems from “years grinding it out across multiple networks.” By July, however, Marca updated the estimate, placing her wealth in the $3–4 million range. Beyond her earnings, Qerim has also built considerable influence, earning widespread respect in the industry and amassing a loyal fan base of more than 732,000 followers on Instagram.
What is Molly Qerim’s salary and contract?
According to ‘Ask.com’ and ‘ALOT Finance’, Molly Qerim makes an estimated $500,000 a year. The information about the ESPN star’s current contract has not been revealed publicly. According to ‘Sports Business Journal’, which first broke the news of Qerim’s exit, ESPN had offered Qerim a contract, but she chose to move on.
While Molly Qerim has never publicly disclosed how much she makes, she did once claim that she has to take less because of her ‘First Take’ co-host Stephen A. Smith. During a heated debate back in 2022, Qerim quickly pivoted toward the pay gap between her and Smith, who was reportedly making $12 million a year from ESPN back then, by saying, “I have to take a much-reduced salary so he can get paid!” while pointing at her co-host. Smith caught Qerim stuttering and used it to jokingly claim that Qerim might be lying.
Molly Qerim’s professional career
Molly Qerim began carving out her path in sports media soon after earning her Master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Quinnipiac University. She joined ESPN in 2006, initially contributing to the network’s digital and mobile platforms during the first four years of her career. By 2008, Qerim had stepped into the spotlight as the interactive reporter for College Football Live and co-host of Campus Connection on ESPNU. That same year, she also earned an Emmy for her work on Fantasy Football Now, cementing her reputation as a rising talent in sports broadcasting.
Later, she joined CBS Sports (New York City), covering college football and basketball, among other major events, and NFL Network (Los Angeles), hosting NFL AM and NFL Fantasy Live. In mid-July 2015, Qerim got a ‘fill-in’ gig at ‘First Take’ to replace Cari Champion. A vacancy had opened up since Champion was promoted to ESPN’s flagship SportsCenter show. By September 2015, Qerim was promoted to permanent host.
Over the course of her career, Qerim covered multiple Super Bowls, doing everything from hosting, reporting, and marking her presence at red carpet events. She has also covered the Heisman Trophy presentation. Before she was debating with Stephen A. Smith on ‘First Take’, she also covered the NBA draft, the NBA All-Star Game, and the MLB All-Star Game, conducting both on-site reporting and interviews. As highlighted by ‘Style’, Qerim has created a reputation for herself thanks to both her fashion sense and for “keeping it real with her commentary”.
Molly Qerim’s Brand Endorsements
Back in May 2023, Molly Qerim was named as one of the brand ambassadors of the Custom Suits & Accessories brand ‘Andre’ Julius’. She even wore one of the brand’s suits to a show soon after the signing. Stephen A. Smith was impressed and claimed that even he might try one of the suits and wear it to the show one day.
Before that, back in March 2023, Qerim announced through her official X account that she had been named one of Joostricot’s new brand ambassadors. In the X post, she highlighted two outfits, one in beige and the other in blue, and highlighted them as part of the SS23 collection. In her role as a philanthropist, Molly Qerim has also supported the Boys and Girls Club of America and the International Justice Mission, and has stood out as an advocate for endometriosis awareness.
Molly Qerim’s House
Molly Qerim once resided in what was known as The Michigan Mansion during her marriage to former NBA star Jalen Rose. The property, located in Orchard Lake Village, Michigan, spans more than 8,300 square feet and sits on nearly three-quarters of an acre of prime lakefront land. The estate features five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a design that balances sophistication with serenity. Once valued as high as $50 million, Urban Splatter reports its current market price has dropped to about $3.6 million.