Malika Andrews

Malika Andrews is an Emmy Award-winning sports journalist and television host known for her work in basketball media. Andrews serves as the host of ESPN's weekday NBA studio show, "NBA Today." She also hosts "NBA Countdown" on ESPN and ABC, as well as "WNBA Countdown" on ESPN. Her career in sports broadcasting is rooted in print journalism, including an internship at The Denver Post, a James Reston Reporting Fellowship in the sports department at The New York Times, and a reporting role at the Chicago Tribune. Andrews joined ESPN.com as a reporter covering the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks, later expanding her coverage to include the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.

Andrews began her tenure at ESPN as an online NBA writer and became the network's youngest sideline reporter during the NBA Bubble. She reported from the NBA's temporary Florida campus during the league's four-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 outbreak and was named lead sideline reporter for the NBA Finals. Andrews later became the host of "NBA Today." Her work has been profiled in The New Yorker, highlighting her approach to breaking news and live television.

Andrews has achieved several milestones in sports journalism. At age 26, she became the youngest sports broadcaster to host the NBA Finals Trophy presentation ceremony. She was the first woman to host the NBA Draft, a role she has continued. Andrews received the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Personality – Emerging On-Air Talent and has earned nominations for Personality/Studio Host, the NABJ Michael J. Feeney Emerging Journalist of the Year Award, and recognition in Forbes 30 Under 30 in the sports industry.

Andrews has spoken publicly about overcoming personal challenges, including time spent in residential therapy institutions as a teen to address depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder. Her openness about these experiences has contributed to her connection with audiences. Andrews is committed to promoting diversity in journalism, actively contributing to the National Association of Black Journalists and serving on the NABJ Sports Task Force Scholarship Committee.

Andrews has expanded her broadcasting work beyond basketball, including leading ESPN's coverage of the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open as part of the network's tennis team. She also hosts "NBA Countdown" for the NBA Finals, leads ESPN's WNBA game coverage, and has guest-hosted Good Morning America. Andrews' versatility across sports broadcasting and her background in sports journalism position her as a leading figure in the industry.