Editorial: Malika Andrews

Vingt Sept
Jun 30
8 min read

Lifestyle

On a sun-soaked afternoon at the Compton Cowboys’ ranch in Los Angeles, surrounded by the sound of hooves and the smell of warm leather, Malika Andrews looks right at home. Not just as a rider, though she is that too, but as a storyteller grounded in truth, movement and meaning. Known to millions as a trailblazer on ESPN and the first woman to host the NBA Draft, Andrews has steadily redefined what it means to lead in sports journalism.

Yet beneath the broadcast polish is a print journalist at heart, a writer shaped by the discipline of newsrooms, by the solitude of words on a page, and by the fire of purpose-driven reporting. From her early days walking the storied halls of The New York Times to navigating the NBA’s pandemic-era bubble, Andrews has brought grace, rigour and deep empathy to every stage of her journey.

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In this conversation, she reflects on the courage it takes to listen, the women who paved the way, and why horseback riding, tailored suits and a good book still keep her grounded. Shot amidst the grit and poetry of South Central LA, this is Malika Andrews: off-camera, on horseback, and entirely in her element.

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You’re one of the most recognisable faces in sports journalism today, but at your core, you’re a writer. How has your background in print journalism shaped your voice and career in television?

Writing is my first love. Even though I work in television now, writing is still my backbone— it’s how I process, and how I prepare. English was my favourite subject growing up; it’s where I found confidence in school. So when I started working in newspapers in college, it felt like home right away.

I took immense pride in walking into The New York Times newsroom and the Chicago Tribune building - places that have chronicled the history of our country and the world. At the Times, I used to stop by the floor with all the Pulitzers just to remind myself of the calibre of journalism happening around me. And at the Tribune, there’s a quote etched into the wall that still sticks with me: “Where there is a free press, the governors must live in constant awe of the opinions of the governed.” That kind of mission-driven journalism left an impression on me and was really inspiring.

From navigating the NBA’s Covid bubble to becoming the first woman to host the NBA Draft, your journey has been historic. Which of these moments tested your resilience the most?

The NBA bubble in 2020 was a pivotal moment for me. I spent 107 days in Florida, reporting during a time of immense uncertainty, grief, and social reckoning. ESPN was only permitted to send a handful of staff, so, I stretched into new roles — from being a part of game broadcasts for the first time to writing for ESPN.com and SportsCenter hits.

That experience ultimately led to more opportunities on-air, including hosting the NBA Draft, which remains one of my favourite assignments. It was less about resilience, more about growth, and about finding my voice in the middle of a time that was much bigger than basketball.

Your coverage style is often described as transparent and human. How do you maintain that level of honesty and connection in an environment that can sometimes prioritise speed over nuance?

I have so much admiration for my insider colleagues who strike the chord of being accurate and lighting fast — it’s an art. But in my role, where storytelling is central, I find that slowing down just enough to really listen helps uncover the nuance. NBA and WNBA players put years into their craft, and I think there’s mutual respect when they see you putting in time too — doing the homework, showing up, listening. That’s where connection is built.

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You’ve used your platform to advocate for deeper conversations around race and gender in sports. What do you feel still isn’t being said loudly enough?

I actually think a lot of meaningful conversations are happening right now — and that’s something to celebrate. I’m excited to be part of our WNBA coverage. The investment and interest are growing fast. With that visibility comes responsibility, though, and I hope the way we cover these athletes keeps evolving with the moment.

With NBA players increasingly using their voices for activism, how do you balance being a journalist with understanding the emotional layers of the stories you cover?

Honestly, that’s the job. As players use their platforms to speak out on causes that matter deeply to them, it is our responsibility as journalists not only to report the facts but also to understand and convey the emotional depth behind those stories. I’m also human. And there have been times where the issues I cover hit close to home.

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You're part of a generation of women reshaping sports media. What’s one misconception about the work you do that you wish more people understood?

I think about women like Doris Burke, Pam Oliver, Andrea Kremer, Hannah Storm, Lesley Visser, and Robin Roberts — women who weren’t just good at their jobs, they redefined what the job could look like. I’m part of a generation hiking the path they helped blaze, hopefully making it even more accessible for those coming next. There are so many excellent women in this space doing the job at the highest level. It's important to focus on that rather than spend energy naming the misconceptions.

Hosting the NBA Draft after the world shifted in 2020 was groundbreaking. Can you take us inside that night — the pressure, the emotion, and the lasting memories?

I first hosted the NBA Draft in 2022 — and while it was a milestone, I wasn’t alone. I was the first woman to sit in that seat, and that night happened to fall on the 50th anniversary of Title IX. But our first on-air hit of the day was with Monica McNutt and Chiney Ogwumike — two of our analysts who are forces in their own right. To me, that’s just what women do: we show up prepared as hosts, as insightful analysts and on that day and stage, it meant a little bit more.

The Draft is one of my favourite assignments because you get to see dreams realised up close. I always watch the families. I like to steal a glance at the parents or grandparents when their child’s name is called. You see the weight of everything it took to get to that moment.

Your involvement with the NABJ and the Sports Journalism Institute speaks to your commitment to diversifying newsrooms. Why is mentorship and access so critical in sports journalism today?

It’s personal for me — that’s how I got my start. The mentorship of Marc Spears, Michael Wilbon, and Greg Lee helped open doors I might not have reached on my own. Ramona Shelburne read my college drafts and gave me feedback that I carried with me. In a field this competitive, sometimes all it takes is one person telling you, “You belong here.” That meant everything to me. Now, working with students isn’t just about giving back — it’s about making sure they see someone who looks like them, and know there’s space for them too.

Mental health is an important cause for you. How do you personally protect your mental wellbeing in an industry that can feel relentless?

Taking care of your mental health is ongoing work. I try to pour myself into hobbies — mine is horseback riding. Finding activities I genuinely love has helped a lot. I read, I talk to people I trust, and I try to be present for the good moments when they come.

Off the court, you're a keen equestrian, skier, and a serious reader. How do these passions outside of work help anchor you?

We used to ski a lot as a family, so that’s something I’ve always loved. As I got older, I convinced myself I didn’t have time for hobbies — but that changed a few years ago when I started riding again after nearly a decade away. Horseback riding helps me reset. And reading? I’m just a lifelong learner. I love that books transport you to other worlds, perspectives, and points of view.

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Fashion has also become part of your signature on screen. How would you describe your style, and do you see fashion as another form of storytelling?

I wear a lot of tailored suits — that’s definitely become a signature. I love bright colours, experimenting with texture, and finding pieces that feel sharp but still fun. During the Western Conference Finals, we played with denim — but in a way that felt elevated: denim suits, clean tailoring, things that challenged the idea of denim being too casual for big moments. Then for the NBA Finals, we went with a rainbow theme — a nod to Pride Month and a way to shift out of the blue tones we leaned into earlier in the playoffs.

My stylist Leon and I try to bring our values into the room through fashion. Whether it’s wearing white to host the NBA Draft as a nod to the suffragettes, choosing all female designers for WNBA coverage, or showcasing Black designers during ESPN’s Black History Always celebration — there’s always real thought behind it.

You’ve reported through moments of real cultural change, athlete protests, global events, national reckonings. How has your definition of courage evolved over the years?

I don’t know that I’ve spent a lot of time defining courage for myself. I think of the athletes we cover — especially those who speak out or stand alone — as courageous. I think of whistleblowers, truth-tellers, people who risk something to do the right thing. Maybe that’s part of it: courage is doing the hard thing even when no one’s watching. Michelle Obama defined it well: ‘Courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about taking action despite your fear.’

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Travelling has always been a major part of your life. Is there a city or country that particularly shaped the way you see the world today?

I do love to travel! It opens your mind and reminds you how much misunderstanding in the world comes from unfamiliarity. The more people you meet, the more you realize how much we all have in common. But being from Oakland shaped how I see the world. It’s a melting pot. And whenever you run into someone else from there, even halfway across the world, it’s like bumping into a long-lost cousin you didn’t know you had!

Finally, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice before stepping into that first NBA arena, what would it be?

Be curious. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to laugh, sport is, after all, a joy. Follow up when you don’t have the answer. And ultimately, trust that you’ll get there.