With Molly Qerim stepping away from ESPN’s First Take, fans are reflecting on her decade-long run at the network and discovering the surprising fortune she built along the way.
Reports estimate that as of 2025, the longtime host has amassed between $3 million and $4 million in net worth, the result of her steady climb in sports media, smart contract negotiations, and lucrative endorsements.
From Local Sports to ESPN Spotlight
Qerim’s journey began in Connecticut, where she earned degrees from the University of Connecticut and Quinnipiac University. She started her career with CBS Sports Network, before moving to NFL Network, where she hosted NFL AM and NFL Fantasy Live.
In 2015, she returned to ESPN and stepped into the biggest role of her career: hosting First Take. For nearly a decade, she guided fiery debates between Stephen A. Smith and a rotating cast of analysts, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in morning sports television.
Salary and Perks
By 2025, Qerim’s annual salary was reported between $500,000 and $600,000, though some outlets suggest it may have climbed closer to $1.5 million under her latest deal. Beyond her base pay, she reportedly received:
- Full health and travel perks
- Wardrobe and styling services
- Performance-based bonuses
- Even a small ownership stake in First Take’s production arm
That combination placed her among the top-earning women in sports media.
Beyond ESPN
Qerim’s income extended far beyond her ESPN desk. She secured endorsement deals with Nike and Adidas, boosted her profile with event hosting gigs, and made paid appearances on other shows. Speaking engagements and special event hosting added to her earnings, further cementing her status as a business-savvy media personality.
Despite her success, Qerim has maintained a reputation for giving back. She supports causes such as education, women’s empowerment, and underprivileged communities, partnering with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and The Innocence Project.
Her personal life has remained relatively private, though fans know she was once married to former NBA star and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose before their 2021 split.
