Malika Rose Andrews McMenamin

Malika Andrews is a Sports Emmy Award-winning journalist and host of ESPN’s weekday NBA studio show NBA Today, NBA Countdown, and WNBA Countdown. She made history in 2022, becoming the first woman to host the NBA Draft. In 2026, Andrews expanded her portfolio to lead ESPN’s broadcasts at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

Overview

Malika Rose Andrews McMenamin's Profile

Born on January 27, 1995, in Oakland, California, Malika Andrews grew up a lifelong Golden State Warriors fan. She attended Head-Royce School before transferring to a therapeutic boarding school in Utah, graduating at 17. She then spent a year working at her maternal grandfather’s civil rights law firm before studying communications at the University of Portland, where she graduated with honors in 2017 and served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Beacon.

After an internship at The Denver Post and a James Reston Reporting Fellowship at The New York Times, Andrews joined ESPN in October 2018 as an NBA reporter covering the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks. Her profile soared during the 2020 NBA Bubble playoffs, and she steadily rose to become the network’s lead NBA studio host, taking over NBA Countdown ahead of the 2023–24 season.

Andrews married ESPN colleague and NBA reporter Dave McMenamin on August 24, 2024, in San Francisco. She is the older sister of Kendra Andrews, a rising star in the sports media who also covers the NBA for ESPN.

Quick Facts

5
TV Shows

0
Current Hosts

20
Years Active

50
Awards Won

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

Networks

A list of Networks that this host has worked for.

Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

  • Marriage Dave McMenamin from 2024 to (An ESPN reporter covering the NBA)

    Education

    Educational background and qualifications

    • Head-Royce School, Oakland, California
    • Bachelor of Arts in Communications from University of Portland

    Net Worth & Income

    Income sources, net worth, and properties.

    • Income from the ESPN contract as the lead NBA host covering NBA Today, NBA Countdown, WNBA Countdown, and the annual NBA Draft.
    • Expanded ESPN's role in 2026 with Grand Slam tennis hosting duties — Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
    • Earnings from keynote speaking and appearances at corporate events.

    Awards

    Awards & recognition

    • Sports Emmy Award — Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent (2022)
    • NABJ Michael J. Feeney Emerging Journalist of the Year Award (2021)
    • Forbes 30 Under 30 — Sports Industry (2021)
    • Best Writer Award — Oregon College Students, Society of Professional Journalists (2016)