First Take returns to ESPN with Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim as Wimbledon comes to a close

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We are approaching the end of Wimbledon, as we approach the women’s final between Iga Swiatek and one of the big surprises of the competition, the American Amanda Anisimova, and the men’s semifinals at the All England Court. With the sports world settling back into its regular rhythm, ESPN’s flagship debate show First Take will also return to its usual schedule.

First Take is one of the most recognized sports talk shows in the United States, known for its high-energy debates and interviews with prominent figures across all major sports. The program, which regularly tackles the biggest storylines in both U.S. and international sports, is set to return to its regular schedule following a brief pause due to Grand Slam tennis coverage.

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Wimbledon took over ESPN’s main signal.

Wimbledon started on Monday, 24 June, and it has been an emotional tournament, where the Americans have seen a brilliant performance of Amanda Anisimova, who has reached the final after 4 tournaments without a U.S representative in the final match at Central Court. However, the presence of that competition interrupted the regular program of ESPN.

Therefore, during those days, ESPN’s First Take shifted from its usual time slot on the main network to air on ESPN2, making room for Grand Slam tennis coverage. Despite the change, the show continued to deliver its trademark commentary and heated sports debates to its loyal audience.

It is important to note that ESPN secured the exclusive rights to show Wimbledon Open since 2012, but their story with the British tournament is way behind when they started to stream the competition in 2003.

The most recognized sports channel, ESPN, has confirmed that the show will return to its habitual schedule on the main signal next week at 10:00 a.m. The return was welcomed by fans eager to once again enjoy the show’s signature debates, interviews, and in-depth sports coverage.

The temporary departure of First Take’s leading duo

The star duo of Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, the show’s only full-time anchors, are currently away from First Take while on vacation. Notably, Smith holds a reported $100 million contract with ESPN, underscoring his status as one of the network’s most valuable and influential personalities.

Some viewers speculated that both hosts might be leaving the show, but their absence has been officially attributed to scheduled vacation time. The only figure with an uncertain future on First Take is Shannon Sharpe, whose continued role on the show has not yet been confirmed.

Now, the stage is set for First Take to return next week, with the full crew ready to reignite one of the most dynamic debates in U.S. sports television. Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim, Shannon Sharpe, Dan Orlovsky, Courtney Cronin, and the rest of the team will resume their regular time slot, bringing their signature energy and insight back to the screen.

This news was originally published on this post .

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