While most TV shows are planning vacations the first week of July, ESPN’s First Take will be adding more hours. From July 2-6 viewers will see two different versions of First Take everyday. Guest hosts will handle the usual 10am – noon time slot, while the regular cast of Molly Qerim, Max Kellerman and Stephen A. Smith will host a special NBA themed afternoon edition of the show each day at 4:30.
The morning version of the show will be hosted by former Bachelorette contestant and avid basketball fan Rachel Lindsey, who has appeared as a guest on the show before. Amongst the commentators set to rotate through the morning show will be ESPN Radio’s Will Cain, the Undefeated’s Dominique Foxworth, ESPN Radio’s Jason Fitz, and ESPN NBA analyst Ryan Hollins.
The afternoon edition featuring First Take’s regular panel will be focused on NBA free agency (read as “LeBron James”) as well as storylines out of the NBA Draft. That show will take the afternoon of July 4 off. The morning show will be seen everyday during that week.
Dave Robert, ESPN’s vice president of network content says in a press release that the NBA is a year-round conversation, and this new schedule is designed to take advantage of the interests of the league’s large fanbase. “We are expanding our live programming to reinforce First Take’s commitment to being the first choice for lively debate and entertainment discussion on any major developments throughout the league – mornings and afternoons. With free agency up next, First Take will examine every angle through the two shows.”
