In this biography, you’ll know how Malika, quickly rose to fame as ESPN’s youngest NBA reporter and broke barriers by becoming the first woman to host the NBA Draft.
Malika Andrews was born on 27 January 1995 (Age: 31 years old), in Oakland, California, USA.
She’s married to fellow NBA reporter Dave McMenamin and has made a name for herself with her signature reporting style and presence. Starting her career at The Denver Post and The New York Times.
In this, you’ll learn about her inspiring journey, personal life, career highlights, and the key milestones that have made her a leading figure in sports journalism.
Malika Andrews Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | Malika Rose Andrews |
| Profession | Sports Journalist, Television Host, NBA Reporter |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Date of Birth | January 27, 1995 |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Aquarius |
| Birthplace | Oakland, California, USA |
| Current Address | New York City, New York, USA (this is her professional base due to her role at ESPN) |
Malika Andrews Husband, Children
Malika Andrews recently tied the knot with fellow NBA reporter Dave McMenamin in a beautiful ceremony held near the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, California.
The couple had been dating for a while, and their relationship became public in 2022. Malika and Dave, both well-known figures in NBA circles, decided to take the next step in their relationship with this intimate wedding.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Husband/Boyfriend | Dave McMenamin (An NBA reporter) |
| Children | Non |
Malika Andrews Family
Malika Andrews’ father is Mike Andrews, who works as a personal trainer, and her mother is Caren Andrews, an art teacher.
She also has a younger sister, Kendra Andrews, who is a sports journalist just like Malika. Kendra works for ESPN, covering the NBA.
Both sisters have made a name for themselves in the world of sports journalism.
| Parent’s Name | Father: Mike Andrews (Personal Trainer) Mother: Caren Andrews (Art Teacher) |
| Siblings | Sister: Kendra Andrews (Sports Journalist, works for ESPN covering the NBA) |
Malika Andrews Education
Malika Andrews went to Head-Royce School in Oakland, California, for her schooling. After that, she studied at the University of Portland, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communications.
It was during her time at university that she started developing her journalism skills, which eventually led her to a successful career as a sports reporter.
| School | Head-Royce School (Oakland, California) |
| Alma Mater | University of Portland |
| Highest Qualification | Bachelor of Arts in Communications |
Malika Andrews Career
Malika Andrews began her journey in journalism while studying at the University of Portland, where she worked for the student newspaper, The Beacon.
It was during this time that she caught the attention of ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski at an NBA Summer League game in 2017, who had read her work. This encounter helped propel her career.
Early on, Malika interned at The Denver Post and later became a James Reston Reporting Fellow in the sports department at The New York Times. She also worked for a year at the Chicago Tribune before joining ESPN.com.
At ESPN, she initially covered the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks, later moving to New York to report on the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.
One notable moment in her early career came after the Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Toronto Raptors in the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals. Malika wrote an article suggesting that Giannis Antetokounmpo might leave Milwaukee if the Bucks didn’t make improvements to win a title.
Giannis, upset by the article, walked out of a press conference after the game, which highlighted Malika’s growing influence as a reporter.
In 2020, Malika was one of the first reporters to enter the NBA Bubble at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the completion of the 2019-20 NBA season, where her reporting gained even more attention.
She also led the 2020 NBA Draft telecast, conducting virtual interviews with the top draftees, showcasing her ability to adapt to new formats during the pandemic.
Malika became known not only for her reporting but also for her signature style. The New York Post cited her “garden-party-chic wardrobe” on the court, with her trademark being “flowing floral feminine frocks.” Her on-camera presence further solidified her as a standout in sports journalism.
In 2021, Malika was nominated for an Emmy Award in the Emerging On-Air Talent category, recognizing her impressive rise in the industry. She was also named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 in sports for 2021 and has been honored by organizations such as the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.
In July 2021, Malika made a major career leap when she was named as ABC’s sideline reporter for the NBA Finals, taking over for Rachel Nichols after Nichols was removed from her role.
This made Malika one of the youngest to ever take on this high-profile position during the Finals.
By June 2022, Malika made history as the first woman to ever host the NBA Draft. Her growing role in the NBA coverage has made her a household name among basketball fans.
She also appeared in a short film promoting the 2022 NBA Playoffs, titled Playoffs on NBA Lane, alongside retired sportscaster Marv Albert.
In addition to these accomplishments, Malika has made regular appearances on popular ESPN shows such as SportsCenter, Get Up, NBA Countdown, Around the Horn, and The Jump.
Her contributions to the network as its only Black female NBA reporter have earned her widespread recognition. In May 2022, she won the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent.
Malika continues to shine as a leading voice in NBA media and is one of the most influential figures in the industry today.
Controversies
In recent debates, Dez Bryant criticized Malika Andrews for her perceived selective coverage of NBA players, accusing her of being harsher on Black athletes like Brandon Miller while downplaying allegations against Josh Giddey, a white player. The article on Awful Announcing highlights [1] the backlash Andrews faces and how some feel she selectively targets Black individuals in her reporting.
Conversely, prominent media figures like Stephen A. Smith and Jemele Hill defended Andrews, arguing that Bryant’s critique was overly personal and unbalanced. They emphasized that Andrews reported on Giddey when she returned on-air, and Smith highlighted the complexities of journalistic responsibilities. This defense is discussed in more detail in the Atlanta Black Star article [2].
Malika Andrews Net Worth, Salary
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $800K – $1 million |
| Salary (Approx.) | $50,000 to $100,000 annually |
Malika Andrews Height, Weight & Physical Stats
| Height | In centimeters: 170 cm In meters: 1.70 m In feet & inches: 5’ 7” |
| Weight | In kg: 61 kg In lbs: 134 lbs |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Colour | Dark Brown |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
Malika Andrews Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube
 malika_andrews | |
| X |  @malika_andrews |
 Malika Andrews | |
| YouTube |  @MalikaAndrews |
12 Interesting Facts About Malika Andrews
- Malika Andrews is the youngest NBA reporter to join ESPN, starting her career with the network at just 25 years old.
- She made history in 2022 by becoming the first woman to ever host the NBA Draft.
- She overcame personal struggles in her youth, including being expelled from school, before turning her life around through therapeutic education.
- Malika comes from a diverse background, being both African-American and Jewish, and even had a Bat Mitzvah.
- Her younger sister, Kendra Andrews, also works at ESPN as a reporter covering the Golden State Warriors.
- Malika started her journalism career as an intern at the Denver Post before working with The New York Times and Chicago Tribune.
- She has been nominated for an Emmy in the “Emerging On-Air Talent” category.
- Known for her distinct, stylish on-court wardrobe, often described as “garden-party chic”.
- She was one of the first reporters to enter the NBA Bubble during the 2020 pandemic to cover the season.
- Growing up, Malika’s family would often watch Golden State Warriors games together, which sparked her passion for sports reporting.
- Malika is open about her mental health struggles and how they shaped her perspective on life and career.
- Her breakthrough in journalism came when she introduced herself to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski at an NBA Summer League game.
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FAQs
Is Malika Andrews in a relationship?
Yes, she is married to NBA reporter Dave McMenamin.
What are the heights of Malika Andrews?
Sports Journalist Malika is 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)tall.
What ethnicity is Malika Andrews?
She is of African-American and Jewish descent.
Where did Malika Andrews go to college?
Malika attended the University of Portland.
What is the age of Malika Andrews?
She was born on January 27, 1995, making her 31 years old.
Who is the female reporter on the NBA draft?
None other than Sports Journalist Malika Andrews was the first female reporter to host the NBA Draft.
What is the salary of Malika Andrews?
Her estimated annual salary is between $50,000 and $100,000 annually.
