Malika Andrews Joins ESPN’s ‘WNBA Countdown’ as Studio Show Adds L.A. Edition (EXCLUSIVE)
ESPN‘s Malika Andrews is joining “WNBA Countdown” as a co-host on the studio show’s new Los Angeles-based program.
Andrews’ appointment comes as ABC and ESPN are creating two broadcast desks for the pregame show: the current version of “WNBA Countdown,” hosted out of Bristol, and another setup in L.A.
On ABC, the Bristol-based “WNBA Countdown” will feature the returning lineup of SportsCenter anchor and women’s basketball host Elle Duncan, analysts Chiney Ogwumike and Andraya Carter.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s “WNBA Countdown” will be hosted out of Los Angeles by Andrews and analysts Monica McNutt, Carolyn Peck, Owgumike and Carter.
Introduced during the 2022 WNBA postseason, “WNBA Countdown” now serves as a pregame show throughout the regular season, playoffs and finals.
Currently serving as the host of ESPN’s weekday NBA studio show, “NBA Today,” and all editions of “NBA Countdown,” Andrews will make her “WNBA Countdown” debut Sunday ahead of the Brazil National Team vs. Indiana Fever preseason game on ESPN at 3 p.m. ET, alongside Ogwumike and Carter.
In her newly expanded role, Andrews will contribute across multiple platforms, adding depth and reach to ESPN’s coverage. She will also spotlight WNBA news on “NBA Today” and “NBA Countdown.”
Game coverage will begin at 4 p.m. ET and feature Ryan Ruocco (play-by-play), Rebecca Lobo (analyst), and Holly Rowe (sideline reporter), who are returning for their 13th season together.
Andrews made her EPSN debut as a sideline reporter during the 2019-20 season at the ESPN World of Sports Complex in Florida, serving as a sideline reporter throughout the NBA Playoffs and making her one of the youngest sideline reporters ever for a Conference Finals telecast. Andrews was one of the first reporters on ground to report from the NBA’s temporary Florida campus after the league’s decision to resume the season following a four-month hiatus due to outbreak of COVID-19.
Prior to joining ESPN in October 2018, Andrews worked for one year as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune. Andrews also worked for one year as a James Reston Reporting Fellow in the sports department at The New York Times.
She is repped by CAA Sports and Jill Fritzo Public Relations.
