Malika Andrews

Malika Andrews is a leading figure in sports broadcasting, known for her work as the host of ESPN's NBA studio coverage. Andrews anchors "NBA Countdown" and "NBA Today," providing national coverage of the NBA. She began her tenure at ESPN as an online NBA writer and became the network's youngest sideline reporter during the NBA Bubble. Her career in sports journalism is marked by a comprehensive understanding of basketball and a strong on-air presence.

Andrews developed her journalism skills through several notable positions prior to joining ESPN. While attending the University of Portland, she served as editor-in-chief of The Beacon, the university's student newspaper. She also worked as a James Reston Reporting Fellow in the sports department at The New York Times and spent a year at The Chicago Tribune covering the NBA, with a focus on the Chicago Bulls and other Midwest teams. During her time at the University of Portland, Andrews connected with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski at an NBA Summer League game, which contributed to her career trajectory.

At ESPN, Andrews has covered significant events, including her debut as a sideline reporter during the NBA Playoffs at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida. She became one of the youngest reporters to cover a Conference Finals telecast and later served as ABC's sideline reporter for NBA Finals coverage. Andrews made history as the first woman to host the NBA Draft and appeared in the short film "Playoffs on NBA Lane," which promoted the NBA playoffs. Her role at ESPN has expanded to include tennis and WNBA studio coverage, including hosting duties for ESPN's tennis coverage at the Australian Open.

Andrews has received multiple honors in sports journalism, including Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Personality – Emerging On-Air Talent and nominations for Personality/Studio Host. She was recognized with the NABJ Michael J. Feeney Emerging Journalist of the Year Award and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in the sports industry. Andrews has also been acknowledged by the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for her contributions as ESPN's only Black female NBA reporter. Her work continues to influence sports media and journalism.