Molly Qerim is leaving First Take because she chose not to renew her contract with ESPN and has decided to step away from the show after about a decade as its host.

What Molly Has Said

Molly framed her exit as a personal decision to close a “remarkable chapter” and move on from First Take. In an Instagram statement, she called hosting the show one of the “greatest privileges” of her career and thanked fans and colleagues, while hinting at new plans with the line “stay tuned.”

Contract and Timing

Reports indicate that ESPN and Qerim had been negotiating a new deal, but she ultimately turned down the network’s renewal offer. ESPN’s Burke Magnus said both sides had already agreed she would be removed from First Take when her contract expired at the end of 2025, and that she wanted to “explore other opportunities,” which contributed to the early‑looking departure.

Speculation and Fan Theories

Because the announcement came suddenly, fans and media figures have speculated about deeper reasons, including:

  • Money and role: Some analysts suggest she felt underpaid or undervalued relative to her contributions and wanted more creative control or her own show.
  • Relationship with Stephen A. Smith and ESPN leadership: A few commentators have floated theories that tensions or a desire to avoid being “phased out” quietly played a part, though these are not confirmed.

How ESPN and Stephen A. Smith Reacted

Stephen A. Smith publicly said ESPN “did not want to lose her” and that he was personally blindsided by the timing, though he praised her professionalism and impact on the show. ESPN has generally portrayed her departure as an amicable but firm choice on her part, not a firing.

What’s Next for Molly?

Molly has not announced a specific next job yet, but her “stay tuned” message and her long track record at ESPN have fueled speculation that she may launch her own show, move to another network, or pursue broader media ventures.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.