The question why did Molly Qerim leave ESPN has dominated sports media headlines after the longtime First Take host announced her shocking departure on September 16, 2025. Molly Qerim leaving ESPN came as a surprise to fans who had watched her expertly moderate the morning debate show alongside Stephen A. Smith for nearly a decade. While the official reason remains contract-related, the circumstances surrounding her exit suggest a more complex story involving failed negotiations and immediate departure rather than the originally planned end-of-year timeline.
The Sudden Announcement That Shocked Sports Media
On Tuesday morning, Molly Qerim shared her exit through a sincere Instagram story, noting that the information was disclosed “sooner than I had anticipated and not in the way I had hoped for.” The 41-year-old television host wrote, “After much thought, I have decided it is time to wrap up this amazing chapter and depart from First Take”. Her announcement followed a Monday night report by Sports Business Journal that she had declined ESPN’s contract extension offer and would be leaving at year’s end.
However, why did Molly leave First Take became even more puzzling when she was absent from Tuesday’s show, with Stephen A. Smith suggesting her departure was immediate rather than gradual. This discrepancy between the initial reporting and her actual absence sparked widespread speculation about the true circumstances behind her exit.
Stephen A. Smith Reveals Contract Negotiation Details
Stephen A. Smith provided crucial insight into why did Molly leave ESPN during his radio show and Tuesday’s First Take episode. According to Smith, Molly Qerim “abruptly resigned” from her position Monday night, effective immediately. He revealed that ESPN was engaged in contract negotiations with her and “certainly did not want to lose her,” but ultimately she made the decision to walk away from the show.
“The details, frankly, are none of your business, but it’s not like I have all the information. There was a contract negotiation going on. ESPN was certainly not inclined to let her go. But in the end, she made her decision to walk away from the show, effective immediately,” Smith explained during his Tuesday broadcast.
Key Timeline of Events
| Date | Event | Details |
| Sept 15 (Evening) | Sports Business Journal Report | Initial report of Qerim leaving ESPN at year-end |
| Sept 16 (Morning) | Qerim’s Instagram Announcement | Confirms departure, notes news came out early |
| Sept 16 (Morning) | First Take Without Qerim | Stephen A. Smith opens show alone, confirms immediate exit |
| Sept 16 (Afternoon) | Smith’s Radio Show | Reveals contract negotiation details |
Why Is Molly Leaving First Take? The Contract Dispute
The core reason for why is Molly leaving First Take appears to center on contract negotiations that didn’t meet her expectations. According to multiple reports, ESPN offered Molly Qerim a new contract extension, but she ultimately declined the offer. Sports media insiders suggest the negotiations may have involved disagreements over salary, responsibilities, or other terms that couldn’t be resolved.
The timing of her departure is particularly significant, as it occurred during football season when First Take typically sees its highest viewership. ESPN’s reluctance to lose her during this crucial period suggests the network valued her contributions highly, making her decision to leave even more surprising.
The Immediate vs. Gradual Exit Confusion
One of the most puzzling aspects of Molly first take departure is the discrepancy between initial reports and reality. While Sports Business Journal reported she would leave at year’s end, Molly Qerim leaves First Take effective immediately, creating confusion about the true circumstances.
This immediate departure, combined with her absence from Tuesday’s show without a proper farewell episode, suggests the relationship between Qerim and ESPN may have soured during final negotiations. Sports media analyst Ben Koo noted, “Leaving with months left on a contract during football season, and after doing a Monday show. No farewell episode. She’ll have to stay quiet to keep getting paid through year’s end, but there’s definitely a lot of smoke that the relationship went bad”.
Molly Qerim Net Worth and Career Achievements
Molly Qerim net worth is estimated between $3-5 million, built through her successful ESPN career spanning nearly two decades. She first joined the network in 2006, working on digital and mobile platforms before transitioning to on-air roles. Her salary as First Take host was reportedly in the high six figures, making her one of ESPN’s well-compensated personalities.
Career Highlights at ESPN
| Year | Achievement | Role |
| 2006 | Joined ESPN | Digital/Mobile content |
| 2015 | First Take Host | Replaced Cari Champion |
| 2017 | Permanent Host | Named official First Take moderator |
| 2024 | Peak Viewership | Show reached highest ratings in years |
| 2025 | Emmy Recognition | Continued industry acclaim |
Her departure comes at a time when she was at the peak of her broadcasting career, having successfully navigated the challenging role of moderating heated debates between strong personalities like Stephen A. Smith and various rotating guests.
Behind-the-Scenes Tensions and Workplace Dynamics
While ESPN officials praised Molly Qerim publicly, some industry insiders suggest underlying tensions may have contributed to her departure. The demanding nature of First Take’s early morning schedule, combined with the pressure of moderating contentious debates, takes a significant toll on hosts.
Burke Magnus, the president of content at ESPN, released a statement commending Qerim: “Molly has been a vital component of ESPN since 2006 and a significant contributor to the success of ‘First Take’ since joining as host a decade ago. She raised the standard of the show with her composure, talent, and professionalism, simultaneously assisting others as a compassionate and inspiring teammate.
What’s Next for Molly Qerim?
Molly Qerim ended her Instagram announcement with “stay tuned,” suggesting she has future plans already in motion. Industry speculation points to potential opportunities at other networks or possibly launching her own media venture. Her experience, reputation, and established fan base make her an attractive candidate for competing networks looking to challenge ESPN’s morning programming dominance.
Some media analysts believe her departure could signal a move to a rival network, possibly Fox Sports or even a streaming platform looking to establish sports programming. The immediate nature of her exit and ESPN’s apparent reluctance to lose her suggests she may have had alternative opportunities lined up.
Impact on First Take’s Future
Why did Molly Qerim leave ESPN will undoubtedly impact First Take’s dynamic moving forward. Stephen A. Smith acknowledged the challenge of replacing her, stating, “I will miss spending every weekday morning with her right by my side.” The show’s success largely depended on her ability to manage strong personalities and keep debates focused and engaging.
ESPN will need to find a replacement who can match Qerim’s professionalism and ability to moderate heated discussions while maintaining viewer engagement. The network’s decision to extend contracts with other personalities like Malika Andrews on the same day as Qerim’s departure announcement suggests they’re already planning for the future.
Industry Reaction and Fan Response
The sports media industry has reacted with surprise to Molly Qerim leaving ESPN, with many praising her professionalism and contributions to sports broadcasting. Fans have expressed disappointment on social media, with many noting her crucial role in making First Take watchable through her expert moderation skills.
Her departure also raises questions about ESPN’s retention of talent and whether other high-profile personalities might follow suit if contract negotiations don’t meet their expectations. The network has faced similar departures in recent years, making talent retention an ongoing challenge.
FAQ
Why did Molly Qerim leave ESPN?
Why did Molly Qerim leave ESPN appears to be related to contract negotiations. ESPN offered her a new deal, but she declined and chose to leave the network effective immediately on September 16, 2025.
Is Molly Qerim leaving ESPN permanently?
Yes, Molly Qerim leaving ESPN is permanent. She announced her departure from both First Take and the network entirely after nearly 10 years hosting the morning show.
Why did Molly leave First Take so suddenly?
Why did Molly leave First Take suddenly appears related to failed contract negotiations. While initially reported she’d leave at year’s end, she departed immediately after declining ESPN’s contract extension offer.
What is Molly Qerim’s net worth?
Molly Qerim net worth is estimated between $3-5 million, earned through her successful broadcasting career at ESPN spanning nearly two decades.
What did Stephen A. Smith say about Molly leaving?
Stephen A. Smith revealed that Molly first take departure was an “abrupt resignation” and that ESPN “certainly did not want to lose her” but she chose to walk away from ongoing contract negotiations.
Will Molly Qerim join another network?
While unconfirmed, Molly Qerim ended her departure announcement with “stay tuned,” suggesting she may have future broadcasting opportunities already planned.
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