When Stephen A. Smith announced on First Take that Molly Qerim would be leaving ESPN at the end of 2025, fans were stunned. For nearly a decade, Molly has been the steady hand guiding the network’s flagship debate show. But her decision to decline a contract extension raised as many questions as it answered — and one question in particular keeps coming up: did Malika Andrews’s new multi-year deal with ESPN have anything to do with it?
What We Know for Sure
- Molly Qerim is leaving on her own terms. She declined ESPN’s extension offer and said in her Instagram post that the news came out “earlier than I intended, and not in the way I hoped.”
- Malika Andrews just secured her future at ESPN. The network locked her into a multi-year contract, ensuring her continued role as one of the faces of NBA coverage.
- No one has said the two are directly linked. ESPN hasn’t made that claim, and neither has Molly herself.
Why Fans Connect the Dots
Sports fans are nothing if not perceptive, and the timing of these two announcements has people speculating. Malika Andrews’s star is rising fast, and ESPN clearly sees her as a centerpiece for years to come. Meanwhile, Molly Qerim is walking away from one of the most prominent desks in sports media.
What’s More Likely
While it’s tempting to frame Molly’s departure as a reaction to Malika’s deal, the evidence points elsewhere. Declining a contract extension suggests Molly had her own reasons — whether personal, professional, or financial. She’s been open in the past about health challenges and has worked an intense schedule for years. Sometimes a new chapter isn’t about competition; it’s about timing and priorities.
The Bigger Picture
What’s undeniable is that ESPN is in a season of transition. Big names are leaving, while some old ones are returning, new stars are being elevated, and the network is recalibrating. Molly Qerim stepping away and Malika Andrews locking in represent two sides of that shift.
Final Thoughts
So, did Malika Andrews’s new deal push Molly Qerim out? Probably not. But fans aren’t wrong to wonder if these moves signal ESPN’s changing priorities — and who might be next to make a move. As Molly said, “stay tuned.” What do you think??? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
4603sports.com 