In the ever-competitive world of sports media, few names have made as much noise in recent years as Malika Andrews and her younger sister, Kendra Andrews.
Born and raised in Oakland, California, these two women have rapidly become some of the most recognizable faces in NBA reporting.
Malika and Kendra Are Sisters In Sports
While Malika hosts NBA Today, the flagship NBA show on ESPN, Kendra covers the Golden State Warriors as a beat reporter, also for ESPN.
Both sisters work for the same network but operate in distinct yet overlapping corners of the NBA universe, often appearing on the same broadcast or segment.
My ESPN debut discussing the Warriors’ mentality coming off their 1-3 road trip and how Klay Thompson is getting reintegrated on the court on NBA today: pic.twitter.com/upmgPuTE72
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) January 18, 2022
One of their most viral moments came in May 2022, when Malika noticed that Kendra was wearing her watch on live TV.
After Kendra reported to the Chase Center, Malika quipped on-air:
“But is that my watch?”
The moment went viral online, showcasing not just their close bond but also their effortless charm, something audiences have come to love.
Despite only being two years apart in age, their paths into journalism were uniquely their own.
Malika (born January 27, 1995) originally worked at her grandfather’s civil rights law firm before switching gears to pursue journalism.
On the other hand, Kendra (born June 8, 1997) had her eyes on sports reporting from an earlier stage, even shadowing sportswriter Janie McCauley of the Associated Press during high school.
The daughters of Mike Andrews, a personal trainer, and Caren Andrews, an art teacher, the Andrews sisters didn’t grow up in the media spotlight.
But they did grow up obsessed with the Golden State Warriors, racing around the dinner table with a self-imposed 24-second shot clock just to make chore time more exciting.
Malika Andrews Was The Youngest Sideline Reporter
After joining ESPN in 2018, Malika quickly became a standout reporter.
She made her debut as the youngest sideline reporter during the NBA Bubble in 2020.
By 2021, she replaced Rachel Nichols to become the host of NBA Today, and was also named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in sports.
Known for her calm command, thoughtful questions, and undeniable presence, Malika has become a key figure during some of the NBA’s biggest moments.
Kendra Andrews Followed Her Sister To ESPN
Kendra Andrews attended Gonzaga University, where she majored in journalism and minored in social justice.
During her college years, she interned at The Washington Post and The Salt Lake Tribune.
Her early professional work began at The Athletic, where she covered the Denver Nuggets, coincidentally, the same team Malika once reported on.
After a stint with NBC Sports Bay Area, Kendra made the leap to ESPN in 2022, taking on full-time duties covering the Warriors, her childhood team.
Fans quickly noticed her thoughtful game analysis and natural chemistry with players, coaches, and on-air personalities, including her sister.