Molly Qerim Resigns from ESPN's First Take: What Happened? (2026)

“Last night, she abruptly resigned,” said ESPN‘s Stephen A. Smith of his longtime First Take cohort, Molly Qerim, this afternoon. “The details, quite frankly, are none of y’all business,” he said, before explaining her departure came after contract negotiations with the network.

“ESPN certainly did not want to lose her,” Smith continued, “but in the end she made the decision to walk away from the show.”

The news was first reported by Sports Business Journal and later confirmed by the longtime First Take host herself.

Qerim indicated that the news had come out “earlier than I had intended, and not in the way that I hoped.”

She continued, “After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,” Qerim wrote on her Instagram story. “Hosting 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 — and with all of you, the best fans in the world.

“I’m 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.”

She signed off with “stay tuned.”

Smith also addressed the story at the top of this morning’s edition of First Take, a show on which the level-headed Qerim frequently pulled a hot-taking Stephen A. and other guests back from the brink.

“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 incomparable kindness. … We’ll miss her and wish her every blessing on her future,” he said.

“I personally am grateful to her for her friendship, and I will miss spending every weekday morning with her right by my side.”

ESPN’s president of content Burke Magnuslater thanked Qerim for her work at the network.

“Molly has been an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of First Take’s success since joining as a host decades ago,” he wrote. “She elevated the show with her poise, skill and professionalism, while supporting others as a kind and encouraging teammate.”

On the same day that Qerim’s departure became public, the network also announced it had reached a multi-year extension with rising star Malika Andrews, who hosts the network’s NBA Today and NBA Countdown.