Let’s talk about Molly Qerim and her reported big move from ESPN to Fox Sports – and the juicy $2 million-a-year deal that reportedly came with it! After spending almost two decades at ESPN, Molly decided to shake things up and take her talents elsewhere. And man, Fox came through with a killer offer.
Leaving ESPN after so long was a huge deal, but it looks like Molly made the right choice. With a reported $2 million-a-year deal on the table, it’s clear that Fox Sports sees major potential in her. And hey, who wouldn’t want that kind of paycheck to talk sports all day?
A well-placed source, who is very close to Qerim, has told The U.S. Sun that the offers have been flooding in since the news broke earlier this week.
The insider says ESPN’s rival Fox has already been in touch about her covering NFL, college football, as well as some high-profile NCAA basketball action.
The U.S. Sun understands a $2 million, three-year deal plus bonus add-ons is in the works.
There is also a chance of hosting some of Fox’s sports shows, with the network reportedly keen to snap to invest in the best female talent to lead their programming.
“They view her as a star,” the source told The U.S. Sun.
We also understand there could be opportunities to work on podcasts, with sponsors already queuing up for a piece of the action.
Qerim has been in the First Take hot-seat since 2016. But as extensively reported by The U.S. Sun, friction sparked behind-the-scenes by Stephen A. Smith has continued to cause issues.
“She wants to be the main host and leader of the show,” added the friend, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
“She has reached a point where she no longer wants to continue with the show, finding the situation and overall atmosphere at First Take unbearable. Ultimately, she has decided to do what is best for her.”
The insider claims Qerim has been offered between $50,000 to $100,000 for events at offices and venues across America.
Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content, admitted they’ll be holding on-air auditions in the coming weeks.
Magnus said Qerim was set to quit the network at the end of the year, with her contract due to expire, but has admitted there were talks about roles away from the popular sports show.
The insider, however, said the discussions “didn’t go well” and an exit was due to “a lack of consideration from the network’s leadership.”
“The offer wasn’t what she felt was fair, “ added the friend. “She was disappointed, feeling disrespected after all the years she dedicated to the show and everything she had contributed.”
Qerim, 41, revealed the news herself on Instagram — but only after it leaked earlier than she’d planned.
“Now that the news came out earlier than I intended, and not in the way I hoped…” she wrote. “After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take.”
We can’t wait to see Molly thrive in her new role at Fox Sports if the report is anything to be taken seriously and see what kind of magic she brings to the table. Here’s to big moves and even bigger paychecks – go get them, Molly!
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