ESPN
Molly Qerim reportedly left her role as the host of First Take because she felt that she was undervalued by ESPN. Qerim reportedly made around $500,000 per year.
According to former ESPN personality and NFL player Marcellus Wiley, Molly Qerim — who abruptly exited as First Take host in September — “wasn’t getting what she wanted” from ESPN, which was apparently a higher salary and the ability to branch out and host other shows.
While Qerim’s contract was set to expire at the end of the year, she instead decided to depart First Take in September.
Marcellus Wiley says that Molly Qerim left First Take because she felt underpaid and was not allowed to branch out to other shows
According to Wiley, the salaries of fellow female ESPN personalities Malika Andrews and Mina Kimes relative to hers contributed to her decision.
“Molly wasn’t getting what she wanted,” Wiley said on his Dat Dude podcast, adding that Qerim also wanted to host other shows or even her own show.
“That [her own show] wasn’t happening. They weren’t signing off on her doing her own show or any other show at the network… Molly finally woke up and said enough is enough.”
Marcellus Wiley says Molly Qerim saw how Malika Andrews and Mina Kimes got paid at ESPN, and she realized the network was lowballing her—even though she’s been holding down the #1 show, First Take for years and On top of that, Stephen A. Smith wasn’t going to go for bat for her pic.twitter.com/RFBTykWiau
— joebuddenclips/fanpage (@chatnigga101) September 21, 2025
“To my First Take family, After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and star away from First Take. Hosting this show has been one of the great honors of my career,” Qerim wrote on social media when announcing her departure from the show.
Prior to her departure, the 41-year-old Qerim had been the permanent host of First Take since September 2015, meaning she spent a decade in the role.