Molly Qerim, the host of ESPN\u2019s morning show \u201cFirst Take\u201d with Stephen A. Smith, is departing the network at the end of the year after spending a decade as host, she announced Monday night.<\/p>\n
Qerim, 41, was attempting to reach a contract extension with ESPN, according to a network source, but she opted to move on.\u00a0Qerim has worked at the network since 2006, first working on digital and mobile platforms.<\/p>\n
Sports Business Journal first reported<\/a> the news of Qerim\u2019s departure.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter much reflection, I\u2019ve decided it\u2019s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,\u201d Qerim wrote via a post on her Instagram story. \u201cHosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports \u2014 and with all of you, the best fans in the world.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes.\u201d<\/p>\n On Tuesday morning, Smith kicked off the show by sharing a heartfelt message with viewers.<\/p>\n \u201cNormally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you. However, Molly announced last night she will be departing from ESPN. She\u2019s hosted First Take for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise and her incomparable kindness. \u2026 We\u2019ll miss her and wish her every blessing on her future.<\/p>\n \u201cI personally am grateful to her for her friendship, and I will miss spending every weekday morning with her right by my side.\u201d<\/p>\n Stephen A. Smith: “Good morning and welcome to First Take. Normally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you. However, Molly announced last night she will be departing from ESPN. She’s hosted First Take for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise and her\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/2aAmG8d2N7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 16, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n On his afternoon radio show on SiriusXM, Smith said Qerim \u201cabruptly resigned,\u201d as host of the show.<\/p>\n \u201cTo say that I\u2019m quite sad is an understatement. \u2026 We\u2019ve been partners on the show for the last 10 years, and a lot of time some of these things happen and it\u2019s just uncomfortable to see. The details are none of y\u2019all business, but it\u2019s not as if I know all the details. There was a contract negotiation that was going on. ESPN certainly did not want to lose her, but in the end, she made the decision.\u201d<\/p>\n\n