ESPN Owners EXPLODE as Molly Qerim Signs NEW Contract Outside of ESPN!
In a shocking twist, Molly Karum, the longtime host of ESPN’s First Take, abruptly resigned on September 15, 2025. Her departure sent shockwaves through the sports media landscape, leaving her co-host Stephen A. Smith blindsided and raising questions about the treatment of talent at ESPN. This narrative explores the events leading up to her exit, the fallout, and the implications for the industry.
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A Sudden Exit
On what seemed like a routine Monday at ESPN, Molly expertly moderated the day’s debates, appearing composed and professional. However, behind the scenes, frustrations were brewing over contract negotiations that had been ongoing since January 2025. By that evening, news broke that Molly had declined ESPN’s renewal offer, leading to speculation about her future.
The Instagram Bombshell
The next morning, instead of returning to work, Molly posted a heartfelt message on Instagram announcing her immediate departure from ESPN. This unexpected move left fans and colleagues in shock, especially Stephen A. Smith, who had worked alongside her for a decade. His on-air reaction revealed his confusion and frustration, highlighting the abruptness of the situation.
The Fallout at ESPN
ESPN executives were reportedly blindsided by Molly’s decision, scrambling to control the narrative as the sports world reacted. The timing of her exit was particularly damaging, occurring in the middle of the high-stakes football season when ratings were crucial.
The Ratings Surge
Interestingly, the first episode of First Take without Molly saw a surge in ratings, driven by curiosity rather than content quality. Viewers tuned in to understand the drama unfolding behind the scenes, indicating that Molly’s presence had been a significant factor in the show’s success.
Behind the Scenes: Contract Negotiations
Molly’s exit was not just a spur-of-the-moment decision; it stemmed from months of frustrating contract negotiations. Despite her pivotal role in making First Take ESPN’s highest-rated morning program, the network offered her a significantly lower salary compared to her male counterparts, particularly Stephen A. Smith, who earned around $20 million annually.
Disrespectful Offers
ESPN’s final offer of $700,000 to $850,000 was seen as a slap in the face, especially given Molly’s contributions to the show’s success and the growth in female viewership. This lowball offer, coupled with the requirement for her to participate in other projects, made it clear that ESPN did not value her as they should have.
The Power Dynamics
The situation revealed deeper issues within ESPN, particularly regarding power dynamics and gender inequality. Marcellus Wylie, a former ESPN host, suggested that Molly’s departure was a calculated power play against Stephen A. Smith’s influence at the network. As an executive producer, Stephen A. had significant control over hiring and salary decisions, which may have hindered Molly’s career advancement.
The Gender Gap
Molly’s experience exemplified the broader trend of female talent being undervalued in sports media. Reports indicated that female hosts earn 35% less than their male counterparts in debate formats, reflecting systemic issues within the industry.
The Bidding War
Following Molly’s exit, a bidding war for her services erupted. Fox Sports offered her a lucrative three-year deal worth $2 million annually, significantly more than ESPN’s offer. Other networks, including Amazon Prime Video and NBC Sports, also expressed interest, further highlighting Molly’s market value.
The Shift in Power
Molly’s new role positioned her as a lead host with creative control—something ESPN had denied her. This shift not only validated her worth but also indicated a potential threat to ESPN’s dominance in morning sports programming.
Conclusion: A Turning Point
Molly Karum’s departure from ESPN marks a significant turning point in sports media, challenging the traditional power structures and emphasizing the need for equitable treatment of talent. Her exit serves as a wake-up call for networks to recognize the value of their hosts, particularly women, who have long been sidelined.
As the sports media landscape continues to evolve, Molly’s story underscores the importance of advocating for one’s worth and the potential for change when talent refuses to accept being undervalued. The fallout from her departure is far from over, and as networks vie for her services, the implications for ESPN and the industry at large will be closely watched.
This narrative encapsulates the key events and themes surrounding Molly Karum’s departure from ESPN, highlighting the complexities of power dynamics, gender inequality, and the evolving landscape of sports media.
