ESPN signs reporter Malika Andrews to new contract hours after Molly Qerim announced her exit

Hours after the departure of Molly Qerim from the network, ESPN announced a new contract extension for another one of its top talents.

Qerim, the longtime host of 'First Take', confirmed on Monday night that she was leaving ESPN after nearly two decades with the company.

But the following morning, the network announced a multi-year extension with Malika Andrews, 30.

The Oakland native serves as the host of the network's NBA studio shows, 'NBA Countdown' and 'NBA Today', and previously rose to fame for her on-site reporting during the Covid-affected 2019-20 playoffs in Orlando.

The announcement of Andrews' new deal came with congratulations from colleagues Kendrick Perkins and Dave McMenamin, who is also her husband.

And fans speculated if Andrews could be the next host of 'First Take' following Qerim's departure.

After a report from the Sports Business Journal revealed that Qerim, 41, was set to leave ESPN, Qerim confirmed the news on social media.

She was not on 'First Take' on Tuesday, and Stephen A. Smith said her departure was 'effective immediately.'

'Now that the news came out earlier than I intended, and not in the way I hoped...' Qerim started a message on Instagram

'To my First Take family,' Qerim continued. 'After much reflection, I've decided it's time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take.

'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 also suggested there is more news to come after ending the post with: 'Stay tuned :)'.

Speaking from his famous debate show on Tuesday, Smith added that he was upset to see Qerim depart. 

'To say that I’m quite sad about it is an understatement,' Smith said. 'Molly is a friend. Molly is a co-worker. Molly is somebody that I’ve leaned on on many occasions in the past, as she has done when it comes to me. We’ve been partners on the show for the last 10 years, and a lot of times some of these things happen, and it’s just uncomfortable to see.'

'The details, quite frankly, are none of y’all’ business. It’s not as if I know all the details. It was a contract negotiation that was going on. ESPN certainly did not want to lose her. But in the end, she made her decision to walk away from the show effective immediately.'