If you’ve spent any time watching NBA Today or catching the pre-game hype on NBA Countdown, you’ve definitely seen Malika Andrews. She’s everywhere. She's sharp, she's professional, and she's basically become the face of ESPN’s professional basketball coverage. But for a long time, there was this lingering question floating around the internet and Twitter sidelines: Who is Malika Andrews married to?
Honestly, she kept us guessing for a while. Malika isn't exactly the type to blast her private life across every Instagram story. But the cat is officially out of the bag. As of late 2024, Malika Andrews is married to fellow ESPN heavyweight Dave McMenamin.
It’s a total "love and basketball" situation, quite literally. They didn't just meet at a coffee shop or through a dating app; they met on the job, courtside, doing exactly what they both love.
The Meet-Cute at Madison Square Garden
So, how did this actually happen? It wasn't some flashy Hollywood party.
Back in 2017, both of them were assigned to cover a New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game at the legendary Madison Square Garden. At the time, Malika was working for the New York Times, and Dave was already deep into his tenure at ESPN, largely known for his extensive coverage of LeBron James.
They weren't looking for a spouse; they were looking for quotes.
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Malika was actually there to do a one-on-one interview with LeBron James. Dave, who has covered LeBron since the Cleveland days, was also on the beat. They crossed paths, started talking, and basically the rest is history. It took five years of dating before they got engaged on Thanksgiving Day in 2022. They managed to keep the whole thing surprisingly quiet for two people who are on national television every other day.
A Wedding Date with a Huge Purpose
When they finally decided to tie the knot on August 24, 2024, the date wasn't just a random Saturday. If you’re a basketball fan, those numbers should jump out at you immediately: 8 and 24.
The couple chose to get married on "Mamba Day" as a massive tribute to the late Kobe Bryant. Since Dave has spent a huge chunk of his career covering the Los Angeles Lakers and Malika is the primary host for the NBA's biggest shows, it was a deeply personal nod to the sport that defines their lives.
The Ceremony Details
They didn't head to some tropical island. Instead, they stayed close to Malika’s roots.
- Location: Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito, California. It’s right at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- The Vibe: It actually poured rain on the morning of the wedding. Very Bay Area. But by the time the evening ceremony rolled around, the skies cleared up.
- The Dress: Malika wore a lace gown inspired by Grace Kelly. Fun fact: Grace Kelly was from Philadelphia, which is Dave’s hometown. Talk about a subtle, classy tribute.
Who Exactly Is Dave McMenamin?
If you’re wondering "who is Malika Andrews married to" and you aren't a hardcore NBA junkie, Dave McMenamin might just be "the guy on the screen" to you. But in the world of sports journalism, he’s a big deal.
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Dave grew up in Philly and went to Syracuse University—the legendary "Cuse" that produces half the sports broadcasters you see on TV. He was actually a student manager for the 2003 Syracuse team that won the national championship with Carmelo Anthony. That’s some serious hoops pedigree right there.
He joined ESPN in 2009 and has basically become the definitive voice on the Lakers. He’s a New York Times bestselling author, too. He co-wrote Return of the King, which chronicles LeBron James bringing a title back to Cleveland.
Basically, they are a total media power couple. While Malika is hosting the show from the studio, Dave is usually the one on the ground getting the breaking news from the locker room.
Why They Kept It Low-Key
You might wonder why we didn't hear about this sooner. In a recent interview on the Straight to Cam podcast, Malika explained the difference between being "private" and keeping a "secret."
She basically said that if you saw them at an arena, they weren't hiding. He’d give her a peck on the cheek; they’d walk into the stadium together. But she didn't feel the need to post every dinner date to Instagram. She’s been open about her struggles with mental health and the toxicity of "reply guys" on social media. Keeping her relationship off the feed was a way to protect her peace. Honestly? Smart move.
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All the Basketball Easter Eggs
The wedding was basically an NBA fan’s fever dream.
- The Seating Chart: It wasn't a list. It was a March Madness-style bracket. The sign literally said, "Please be seeded."
- The Shoes: For the reception, Dave didn't stay in dress shoes. He swapped into "Mambacita" Nikes to keep the Kobe tribute going.
- The Hoops: There was a fully functional, flower-covered basketball hoop at the reception.
- The Drinks: They served "Syracuse Spritzes," a nod to Dave’s alma mater.
What’s Next for the McMenamin-Andrews Duo?
They are currently based in Los Angeles, which makes sense given that Malika films her shows at the ESPN studios there and Dave covers the Lakers.
While they are officially a married couple now, don't expect them to turn into a reality TV duo. They seem perfectly happy being the most professional couple in sports media. Malika recently signed a multi-year extension with ESPN, so she isn't going anywhere.
Next Steps for Fans:
- If you want to see the aesthetic of the wedding, check out the Vogue Weddings feature from August 2024; the photography is actually incredible.
- Follow both on social media for their professional insights, but don't expect a "day in the life" vlog anytime soon—they value their privacy way too much for that.
- Keep an eye out during the next Lakers broadcast; you’ll likely see Dave reporting from the sidelines while Malika handles the halftime show.