Malika Rose Andrews is a bright star in the world of American sports journalism. Born on January 27, 1995, she’s a passionate sports journalist and reporter from Oakland, California. Malika is known for her vibrant presence as the host of NBA Today, a show that took the place of The Jump.
Malika’s journey with ESPN began in October 2018 when she joined as an online NBA writer. Notably, she made her broadcasting debut during the 2020 NBA Bubble, becoming the youngest sideline reporter in the league’s history. Her exceptional work caught the attention of Forbes, earning her a spot on their prestigious 30 Under 30 list for the sports industry in 2021.
Malika’s roots trace back to Oakland, where her parents Mike and Caren raised her. With a personal trainer for a father and an art teacher for a mother, Malika grew up in a vibrant environment. She developed a love for basketball and cheered for the Golden State Warriors. She even had a bat mitzvah in 2008, embracing her Jewish heritage through her mother’s side.
Despite facing challenges, Malika’s determination shone. She attended different schools, including a year-round therapeutic boarding school in Utah, and graduated at a young age of 17 in 2012. Later, she pursued a communications degree at the University of Portland. There, she made her mark as a sports writer, editor, and eventually the editor-in-chief of The Beacon, the school’s newspaper.
Malika’s rise in the journalism world was impressive. She caught the eye of ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski at an NBA Summer League game in 2017, leading her to a string of opportunities. From interning at the Denver Post to being a James Reston Reporting Fellow at The New York Times, Malika showcased her talents. She also worked as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune before joining ESPN.com.
Her coverage extended to NBA teams like the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets. In 2020, she stood out by reporting from the unique setting of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex during the NBA Bubble. Her charisma and insightful interviews with top draftees set her apart during the 2020 NBA draft telecast.
In 2022, Malika’s influence expanded as she co-starred in a short film called “Playoffs on NBA Lane” alongside Marv Albert. Her remarkable journey culminated in her winning the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent in May 2022. And on June 23, 2022, she made history by becoming the first woman to host the NBA Draft.
Malika Andrews Husband: Is Malika Andrews Married?
Malika Andrews has not revealed whether she is married or has a partner. However, she has been rumored to have dated or been engaged to ESPN reporter, Dave McMenamin. She has not publicly confirmed or denied these rumors.