How Did Malika Andrews Rise To ESPN Broadcasting Prominence?

She isn’t even 30 years old, but Malika Andrews is one of the faces of ESPN/ABC’s coverage of the NBA. Usually it takes some time for networks to trust and develop their on-air talent, but Andrews has shot up the ranks and wears many hats. Her versatility and poise in a variety of roles is impressive to witness, and we’ll take a look at her media journey thus far.

Malika Rose Andrews was born in Oakland, California in 1995, which ironically has been something of a hotbed for NBA superstar talent. Andrews stayed on the west coast for college, attending the University of Portland. She delved into journalistic pursuits there as the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. Andrews was recognized as the best college student writer in Oregon in 2016.

In this day and age, it can be difficult to advance on a journalistic track with a traditional newspaper reporting background, but Andrews was able to gain invaluable experience in this setting. She worked for the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune, earning a prestigious fellowship to help get her foot in the door.

Andrews has become well known for her ability to report on and moderate topics related to games, but has also tackled some serious stories as well. She was part of a group of journalists who covered the relationship former United States President Donald Trump had with Stormy Daniels. Andrews has also covered children’s gymnastics in light of sexual abuse misconduct in the sport.

During an uncertain and chaotic time for the NBA and the media world, Andrews rose to the forefront as a talented sideline reporter. The league resurrected its season in “The Bubble” in Orlando, and the young journalist rose to the occasion under difficult circumstances. Andrews worked the Conference Finals that year while still in her mid-twenties.

The most popular personality at ESPN these days is probably Stephen A. Smith, who Andrews has both found herself in the crosshairs of, and received backing from. Smith and Andrews vehemently disagreed on-air about the Ime Udoka situation with the Boston Celtics in 2022. However, Smith came to her defense when Andrews was criticized for her take on Brandon Miller.

It’s hard to envision Andrews being any more in-demand than she is right now, so it will be interesting to see how her career unfolds. She’s already working some of the highest profile sporting events in the world, but could be tempted to jump ship if she’s offered more money by another network for a more defined role.

It appears as if Malika Andrews’ agents work for Creative Artists Agency, or CAA. They’re a major factor in player representation as well, as many NBA athletes are represented by them. This would seem to be an advantage for Andrews and other broadcasters, as the agency can facilitate access and interviews.

Malika isn’t the only member of her household that is recognized by ardent NBA fans. Her sister Kendra is also an NBA reporter for ESPN, and has often appeared on shows Malika has hosted. Kendra Andrews’ beat has been focused on the Golden State Warriors. She is three years younger than Malika.