Malika Andrews.Malika Andrews (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
ESPN wasted no time dropping a significant update on Malika Andrews’ tenure at the network following Molly Qerim’s stunning departure from the network.

In an unexpected announcement, Molly Qerim revealed via social media that she’s leaving ESPN at the end of the year. The 41-year-old, who previously worked at CBS Sports and the NFL Network, reportedly turned down a contract extension from the Worldwide Leader in Sports.

Qerim may be leaving ESPN, but the network managed to extend one of its other marquee talents following the news of the former’s exit.

On Tuesday, ESPN announced that it had signed Malika Andrews to a multi-year contract extension. The 30-year-old, who hosts “NBA Countdown” and “The NBA Today”, joined ESPN when she was only 23 in Oct. 2018.


Andrews is married to fellow ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin, who primarily covers the Los Angeles Lakers for the Worldwide Leader in Sports. Andrews graduated from the University of Portland in 2017.

Malika Andrews Is Latest Notable Talent To Re-Sign With ESPN

Malika Andrews smilingLA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 18: Malika Andrews attends The Annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit day 1 at The Lodge at Torrey Pines on October 18, 2021 in La Jolla, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

ESPN conducted a long series of talent cuts in 2023, including Suzy Kolber, Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Matt Hasselbeck and Steve Young. Disney CEO Bob Iger had warned that significant budget cuts were on the way to help save the company billions of dollars.

But aside from Malika Andrews, ESPN has recently signed several other notable talents to multi-year deals. Last month, ESPN announced that it signed “Monday Night Football” reporter Lisa Salters to a contract extension.

In March, the network also signed Stephen A. Smith to a reported five-year extension worth over 100 million amid rumors that he may try to run for president in 2028.

There has been plenty of turnover at ESPN, with other marquee names like Pat McAfee and Shams Charania joining the network. Aside from the aforementioned layoffs, longtime NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski retired to take the job as the GM of the St. Bonaventure Bonnies men’s basketball team.