ESPN’s First Take has been a staple for basketball fans for years. While Stephen A. Smith’s fiery hot takes often steal the spotlight, one presence consistently won over viewers: Molly Qerim. For over a decade, she’s been the calm, sharp, and confident moderator, skillfully guiding debates and keeping some of the biggest names in sports in check. But here’s the twist… a sad one.

Molly Qerim is leaving ESPN.

Sharing an IG Story, the 41-year-old wrote a letter to her First Take family. She didn’t hope the news came this way; she had hoped it would happen earlier.

Qerim wrote: “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. Stay tuned :)”

After more than 20 years at ESPN and nearly a decade as the face of First Take, Molly Qerim announced her departure, leaving behind a legacy few in sports broadcasting can match. Since joining the network in 2006, Qerim has appeared in thousands of episodes across digital, mobile, and live TV platforms, moderating heated debates while keeping the show on track. Her decade-long stewardship of First Take not only shaped the program’s identity but also influenced the wider landscape of sports talk, leaving an indelible mark on the network and the millions of viewers who tuned in daily.

Molly Qerim signed off with love and gratitude. Meanwhile, reports began swirling late on Monday night that the network was on the edge of parting ways with Qerim. However, bringing an end to such rumors, Qerim just dropped the reality herself. No drama, intended!

Meanwhile, reports from Sports Business Journal reveal that ESPN offered the veteran host a new contract to stay on. However, she chose to move ahead, right into the next chapter of her career. And with that, Molly ended the decade-long run as the permanent moderator of First Take. Well, this brings everyone to another important question. And that is: what’s next for First Take? Molly Qerim’s legacy requires the true heir. And maybe, ESPN has someone in sight already.

What is First Take without Molly Qerim?

Molly Qerim has announced that her journey on First Take will conclude by the year’s close, with Sports Business Journal revealing, “ESPN offered Qerim a contract, but she chose to move on.” She has not spelled out her reasoning, but whispers suggest a fresh opening may have surfaced. While Courtney Cronin has covered absences before, the network may take time before locking in a permanent successor.

Her career within ESPN has been a tapestry of evolving roles. She joined the company in 2006, starting with digital projects before transitioning to the news department two years later. By then, she was already hosting College Football Live’s interactive segments and reporting on Fantasy Football Now, which secured her an Emmy. She also expanded her portfolio with years at CBS Sports and NFL Network, handling NFL AM and NFL Fantasy Live. The defining chapter arrived in 2015 when Qerim stepped up as a summer fill-in for First Take, eventually replacing Cari Champion. Since then, her calm but commanding approach has allowed her to guide discussions while balancing Stephen A. Smith’s dominant voice.

ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus captured her influence perfectly: “Molly has been an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of First Take’s success since joining as host a decade ago. She elevated the show with her poise, skill, and professionalism, while supporting others as a kind and encouraging teammate. We respect Molly’s decision, wish her the best in the future, and thank her for her extraordinary daily commitment to sports fans and ESPN.”

Ultimately, Molly Qerim walked away the same way she owned the desk—graceful, sharp, and unforgettable. From digital beginnings to steering First Take through its loudest storms, she carved a legacy that no replacement can copy overnight. Now the spotlight shifts. The show will evolve, but Molly’s stamp is eternal. And maybe, that’s the real win.