Molly Qerim and Stephen A. SmithMolly Qerim and Stempen A. Smith (Photo via Imagn Images)
‘First Take’ host Molly Qerim is reportedly set to leave ESPN.

Qerim, a staple on ESPN’s flagship show for the better part of a decade, is expected to leave The Worldwide Leader in Sports at the end of the year, which means she’ll be gone in just a few months.

Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal broke the news on Monday night, revealing that Qerim will walk away from ESPN at the end of 2025. She is understood to have rejected the offer of a new contract from the company.

“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 wrote. “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 choose to move on.”

Molly Qerim Confirms ESPN Departure

Molly Qerim posing in dressMolly Qerim (Photo via Instagram)
As noted above, Molly Qerim has been hosting ‘First Take’ since 2015.

A UConn graduate, she has held multiple roles since joining the network in 2006. The 41-year-old often goes viral for her outfits and has had some memorable moments with co-host Stephen A. Smith, who was once forced to deny dating rumors following months of curious speculation.

She took to Instagram with a message on Monday night, expressing regret at how the news dropped.

“Now that the news came out earlier than I intended, and not in the way I hoped…” she wrote.

“To my First Take family, After much reflection, 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 great honors of my career.”

Qerim worked at NFL Network and CBS Sports before joining ESPN almost 20 years ago.

She will definitely be missed on ‘First Take’.

REPORT: Shocking New Details Reveal Michael Jordan’s Hidden Power Move With NBC Sports

New details reveal Michael Jordan’s exact role with NBC Sports, offering fresh insight into his growing influence off the courtMichael Jordan (Photo by Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)
NBC dropped a huge announcement when they roped in the services of Michael Jordan. With the league returning to the network next season, NBC is said to have some big plans with the Chicago Bulls legend. While it is clear that he will be a part of the overall coverage, the media outlet has remained tight-lipped about the same. Till now, it was only known that Jordan will be acting as a ‘special contributor’ for NBC. But now, there might be some shocking details emerging.

Speaking on the topic, Alex Sherman of ‘CNBC’ provided some insight into the matter. He pointed out that the preliminary plans for Jordan are to appear in taped segments. This way, Jordan will be providing analysis on the games. These tapes are expected to be aired either at halftime or at the end of each game.

Sherman also pointed out that NBC will also keep the opportunity for Jordan’s role to evolve in the future. Extending the topic further, ‘CNBC’ also reported that the deal with Jordan was orchestrated by none other than his longtime friend, Jon Miller. Meanwhile, after landing such a huge deal, it is quite expected that Michael Jordan will be elated.

Michael Jordan Gets Candid About His Feelings After The NBC Deals

Sep 1, 2024; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series Team 23XI owner Michael Jordan watches a video board as NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) races during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
After the announcements were made, Jordan looked quite happy to have landed himself a big role. Afterall, considering the legend he is, Jordan’s valuable insights will be a great addition to the league’s coverage. Shedding light on the matter, Jordan stated how he was utterly excited to be working with NBC.

“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan said in a short clip. “The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project. I’m looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October.”

Thus, with things looking quite upbeat for Jordan, it now remains to be seen how things pan out in the future.