Longtime ESPN host Cari Champion is leaving the sports network.
Champion posted a statement on Twitter Thursday, saying she plans to exit ESPN after seven years, but offered no additional details on her next move.
“After consulting with mentors, family and friends, I have come to the decision that it’s time to leave ESPN,” she tweeted. “Over the past 7 years, I’ve grown from hosting First Take to having my own show on SportsCenter, and experiencing so much more in between.”
After consulting with mentors, family and friends, I have come to the decision that it’s time to leave ESPN. Over the past 7 years, I’ve grown from hosting First Take to having my own show on SportsCenter, and experiencing so much more in between.
— Cari Champion (@CariChampion) January 9, 2020
A short time later she posted a second tweet adding: “ESPN will always be apart of my legacy and I am proud to have been a part of theirs. I’m excited about the next chapter and will share soon!”
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In response to her announcement, the Disney-owned cable network released a statement.
“Cari has been a valued member of the ESPN family beginning with her time on First Take, then on SportsCenter and through her podcast. When she came to us asking to pursue opportunities outside ESPN, we were happy to support her and we wish her the best moving forward,” the statement said.
Statement from ESPN on Cari Champion's pending departure: pic.twitter.com/Wf7gFPvluv
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) January 9, 2020
Champion joined the network in 2012 as host of First Take. She became host of ESPN’s flagship show SportsCenter in 2015.
