Overview

• ESPN confirmed the hire Thursday, with Cornette set to take over the host chair on Nov. 3.
• She will anchor SportsCenter for the final time on Oct. 25 before transitioning to First Take.
• The selection closed a 30–45 day on-air trial that included Amina Smith, MJ Acosta-Ruiz, Peter Schrager, Courtney Cronin and Joe Fortenbaugh.
• ESPN executive David Roberts cited Cornette’s preparation and chemistry as reasons for the promotion, and Stephen A. Smith publicly endorsed the move.
• Molly Qerim exited in September after a leak accelerated plans for her to leave the show, with ESPN’s Burke Magnus saying both sides had expected her to come off First Take at her contract’s end.