Malika Andrews, host of ESPN’s “NBA Today” and the newest addition to the network’s Tennis Team, built her award-winning career in sports journalism with passion and tenacity. She offers seasoned insight to girls who want to get into sports media and how preparation and luck go hand in hand.
When did you first realize that journalism was the career path you wanted to pursue within sports?
English was my favorite subject in elementary and high school. I was curious and loved to put pen to paper and ask questions. I didn’t have a name for that or make it an ambition until I was at the University of Portland. I joined the student newspaper and the only opening The Beacon had was in sports. I grew up loving and playing sports; it gave me an outlet for my writing. Once I started working for the paper, I quickly felt like this is what I’ve always wanted to do. It has a name and it comes with responsibility.
What experiences early in your career had the greatest influence on how you approach reporting today?
When I was a beat reporter covering the Brooklyn Nets, Wilson Chandler — a veteran player on the team — invited me to watch a game with him, one that was personal to him. Because rather than watching from the bench on the sidelines, we were watching on TV because Wilson was serving the 24th game of a 25-game suspension for using a banned substance. He wasn’t allowed to be in the arena with his teammates for almost 1/3 of the season, and he felt crushing guilt for not being available for his team.
Under the care of his personal physician while he was recovering from a quadriceps injury, Wilson had taken a small dose of a growth hormone banned by the NBA. The league treats these cases as fairly cut and dry; sometimes, athletes can be painted with broad brush strokes. Wilson trusted me to see him as human. It’s something that I try to bring to my coverage today.
How has working across reporting, hosting, and anchoring roles shaped your perspective in sports media?
Listening is the through line to all of it. Listening is the skill you need everywhere. I also think my foundation of reporting, coming back to the information, is so important as you diversify roles
What did winning an Emmy mean to you?
It made me feel like I belonged and my work was seen. We don’t do this for the awards, but to be recognized by my peers is really special. A few years later, I was nominated in the host category. It was surreal to see my name next to colleagues I deeply admire and respect like Scott Van Pelt and Rece Davis. Our entire NBA Today staff came into our little hair and makeup area to tell me about the nomination. It just overwhelmed me because they’re the people who pour into our show every single day. TV is the ultimate team sport.
What challenges have stood out to you while building a career in sports media?
There are challenges, but as the great Monty Williams once told me ahead of the 2021 NBA Finals: We have “get-to” jobs not “have-to” jobs. I get to cover sports for a living. How lucky are we?
How has your experience as a woman shaped the way you show up in the industry?
It’s not something that has shaped my work experience — it is my experience. I have always tried to see gaps and fill them. I am not sure if that’s shaped by being a woman and trying to be what I didn’t see in this industry, but that instinct has served me well.
What message would you like to share with girls interested in working in sports media?
One of my favorite sayings is “luck favors the prepared.” Know that all of your favorite sports personalities were sprinkled with luck, but I believe in dogged preparation. Being prepared is a fact to fall back on. And give yourself the gift of starting from a place of self-belief. You belong and you’re valuable.
