Molly Qerim to Exit ESPN’s “First Take” at Year’s End

Molly Qerim, the Emmy-winning host of ESPN’s “First Take,” has informed colleagues she will depart the network on December 31, 2025, after nearly two decades with ESPN.

Why It Matters After a decade steering “First Take,” Qerim’s exit marks the end of an era for ESPN’s flagship debate program. Her departure follows a contract offer she opted not to accept and leaves a high-profile vacancy in sports television.

Key Details

• Departure Date: December 31, 2025
• Tenure at ESPN: 2006-2025
• “First Take” Host Since: 2015

Career Highlights

Before anchoring “First Take,” Qerim joined ESPN in 2006 on digital and mobile platforms and transitioned to the news team in 2008, earning an Emmy for her work on “Fantasy Football Now.” She became “First Take”’s permanent host in September 2015, leading daily discussions alongside Stephen A. Smith.

Contract Talks and Decision

Sources tell Sports Business Journal that ESPN extended a new contract to Qerim, but she elected to pursue opportunities beyond the network. Colleagues describe her decision as driven by a desire to explore new challenges after nearly 20 years in sports media.

What’s Next?

ESPN has not announced a successor, setting the stage for speculation around who will fill Qerim’s seat beside Stephen A. Smith. Industry insiders suggest the network may promote from within or recruit a high-profile talent to maintain show momentum.

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