ESPN announces major broadcast change for First Take as Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim moved to new channel
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FIRST Take is heading to a new home for the next week.
ESPN’s flagship morning sports debate show is moving channels to accommodate coverage of tennis major Wimbledon.
ESPN/First TakeFirst Take is moving from its usual slot on ESPN this week[/caption]
GettyThe flagship sports debate show is being replaced by coverage of Wimbledon 2024[/caption]
ESPN/First TakeFirst Take will still air on ESPN 2 at its usual time slot[/caption]
The tournament from London is set to dominate the network’s schedule for the next fortnight.
First Take usually airs every 10 am ET following Get Up and just before The Pat McAfee Show at midday.
It sees lead analyst Stephen A. Smith debating with a host of guests on all things sports, with host Molly Qerim moderating.
This week, First Take is taking a backseat and will broadcast in its usual timeslot on ESPN 2.
The same goes for ESPN’s usual morning programs, which have been moved to its sister channel.
Wimbledon begins on July 1 and runs for the next fortnight from the English capital.
ESPN holds the rights to show the annual competition from the All-England Club in SW19.
The network will broadcast live tennis coverage every weekday from 6 am through to 4 pm ET.
First Take began in 2007 and ran for ten years, originally on ESPN 2.
It switched to ESPN‘s main channel in 2017 and has become one of the network’s most successful debate shows.
Qerim has been First Take’s anchor since 2015, with Stephen A. joined by Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe last September.
Sharpe has signed a lucrative new deal with ESPN after helping to “skyrocket” ratings since his arrival.
The multi-year deal will see his work across First Take and ESPN programming increase.
“You were a big-time addition to the show,” Stephen A. told Sharpe in a recent broadcast.
“Our friendship has developed and elevated over the last several months. I’ve a lot of love, a lot of respect for you.
Shannon Sharpe's playing career
Shannon Sharpe was a three-time Super Bowl champion before his heavyweight media career.
The former tight end played in the NFL from 1990 until 2003 – mostly with the Denver Broncos.
He was part of the Super Bowl championship teams in 1998 and 1999 as well as the Baltimore Ravens’ title-winning team in 2001.
Sharpe was an eight-time Pro Bowler and voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He finished with 10,060 career receiving yards from 815 receptions with 62 touchdowns.
The ex-NFL star has had just as strong a career on television screens since retiring.
“You bring it all the time. I’m indebted to the work you’ve done on this show and the relationship we’ve cultivated together.”
“Stephen A., I know this moment is not possible without you,” Shannon replied.
“As you mentioned to me earlier, you have bosses, but you extended the olive branch and let them know that you wanted me to be a part of this family.”
Sharpe’s new deal with ESPN commits him to the network for the next four years, per The Athletic.
Meanwhile, Smith’s own wage demands have seen tensions on First Take soar to “an all-time” high, sources have told The U.S. Sun.
According to one of the insiders, Smith, whose current deal expires in 2025, wants around $25 million, making him the highest-paid pundit on the network.