ESPN Names Shae Cornette as New Host of First Take

New York, NY — ESPN has announced that Shae Cornette will take over as the host of “First Take” alongside Stephen A. Smith starting November 3. The announcement follows the recent departure of Molly Qerim, who hosted the show for over a decade.

Qerim’s exit last month was unexpected, and many were surprised by the announcement. She made the news public via her Instagram story, expressing gratitude for her time on the show and for the support from fans. “Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” she said.

In response to the sudden vacancy, ESPN auditioned several candidates including Cornette, Peter Schrager, Amina Smith, MJ Acosta, and Joe Fortenbaugh. Cornette has been a familiar face at ESPN since 2020, serving as a SportsCenter anchor and contributing to various shows across the network.

ESPN executive vice president David Roberts praised Cornette’s skills, stating, “Shae is meticulous in her preparations and connects naturally with our show’s high-profile personalities. Her professionalism, presence, and energy make her an ideal fit for First Take.”

Smith, known for his significant role in shaping the show’s format since he joined as a full-time host in 2012, played a key part in the selection of Cornette. As one of ESPN’s most valuable talents, he earns approximately $20 million annually and is actively involved in the production of the show.

Throughout its history, “First Take” has evolved since its inception as “Cold Pizza” in 2003, later transforming into a morning debate powerhouse with Smith driving its success alongside previous hosts like Skip Bayless and Qerim.

As for Cornette, she expressed excitement about her new role, stating, “I feel ready to step into this role and know I can add to the already successful brand that First Take is.” Her background in sports broadcasting includes prior experience at ESPN 1000 and Fox 32 in Chicago.

Qerim’s next career moves remain unclear, but ESPN’s Burke Magnus clarified that her exit was a business decision rather than a scandal or dispute.