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Malika Andrews, whose journalistic roots are in newspapers, is rapidly emerging as one of the most recognizable voices in NBA broadcasting. Hosting NBA Today and NBA Countdown this season at age 31 in 2026, her progression through various roles at ESPN has been marked by high-profile assignments, strong reporting and an ability to smash glass ceilings.
Malika Andrews Quick Info/Wiki
| Full Name | Malika Rose Andrews |
| Known For | NBA host and sports journalist |
| Date of Birth | January 27, 1995 |
| Age (2026) | 31 years old |
| Birthplace | Oakland, California, USA |
| Current Residence | Public sources have associated her with Los Angeles; current private residence is not independently confirmed |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Jewish identity has been publicly documented |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Profession | Sports journalist, reporter and television host |
Physical Appearance
| Height | Reported as 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Hair Colour | Dark brown/black |
| Eye Colour | Not reliably confirmed by a primary source |
| Tattoos | No reliably documented tattoos found |
| Distinguishing Features | Recognised publicly for her on-air presence |
From College Newspaper Editor to ESPN
Andrews began her journalism career as a student at the University of Portland, working with The Beacon newspaper and becoming editor- in-chief by the end of her undergraduate career. During her time there, she received several awards and honors from journalism organizations.
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She went on to become a James Reston Reporting Fellow in the sports department at The New York Times after graduation before spending a year at The Chicago Tribune covering Midwest basketball, particularly the Chicago Bulls and other teams throughout the region.
Andrews would carry her experience covering the NBA on newspapers to covering the league on television, focusing on preparing for games, providing historical context for storylines and speaking with the people directly involved.
The ESPN Breakthrough
In October 2018, Andrews joined ESPN as an NBA writer. She first received notice for her work on TV when she appeared alongside hosts during the 2020 NBA season restart in Orlando as one of the network’s youngest reporters to work on a Conference Finals broadcast.
Soon after, she became a fixture at the top of NBA Today, ESPN’s weekday NBA studio show, and took on additional hosting responsibilities for NBA Countdown. In 20 season, Andrews became the first woman to host ESPN’s NBA Draft and has since returned to host several draft shows since.
She has also appeared as part of ESPN’s tennis and WNBA studio broadcasts, showing her skills extend past any single NBA programme.
Awards and Recognition
Along with making ESPN’s NBA broadcasts, Andrews has been recognized for her on-screen work and impact as a journalist. In 2022, she won the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Personality – Emerging On-Air Talent and was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in sports.
Andrews was also presented the National Association of Black Journalists 20 Michael J. Feeney Emerging Journalist of the Year Award.
In 2024, she earned her first Sports Emmy nomination in the Personality/Studio Host category.
Personal Life
Andrews has fellow ESPN NBA reporter Dave McMenamin to thank for her engagement ring. The couple tied the knot on Aug. 24, 20 in an intimate ceremony in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Andrews’ younger sister Kendra Andrews is also an ESPN NBA reporter, typically handling assignments for the Golden State Warriors. Kendra and Malika have worked ESPN broadcasts together a few times, forging one of the few sibling relationships breaking news at the national level.
Personal Life at a Glance
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Dave McMenamin |
| Sister | Kendra Andrews |
| Hobbies & Interests | Travel, horseback riding and sports-related interests |
Income Sources & More
| ESPN | NBA studio hosting and sports journalism |
| Television Broadcasting | NBA Today, NBA Countdown and major NBA events |
| Sports Hosting | NBA Draft and other ESPN studio assignments |
| Speaking Engagements | Professional speaking and appearances |
CAA Speakers also lists Andrews for professional speaking opportunities, alongside her ESPN career.
Why Malika Andrews’ Career Matters
Malika Andrews’ journalism career shows no signs of slowing down. Her ability to report in writing and on-camera has helped her stand out in a competitive industry and carve her own path at ESPN.
