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.

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.