ESPN's First Take Launches Largest Live HBCU Tour

ESPN's sports debate show First Take, hosted by Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, is expanding its live broadcasts from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for the 2025 fall season. The tour includes four live shows at Norfolk State University, the Magic City Classic in Birmingham, Alabama, Delaware State University, and Bethune-Cookman University, marking the largest HBCU tour for the show to date. The First Take broadcast at Norfolk State on August 28 will coincide with Michael Vick's coaching debut, while the tour will culminate with a live show at Bethune-Cookman on November 20 ahead of their rivalry game against Florida A&M. Last year, First Take visited three HBCUs, and this year it continues to highlight the culture and sports programs of these institutions, offering interactive experiences for attendees. ESPN is also making scheduling adjustments to accommodate live sports coverage, including the US Open and Little League Baseball World Series, which affect the runtime of First Take and related shows. Overall, the tour and broadcasting changes reflect ESPN's increased focus on showcasing HBCU football and integrating live sports events into its programming lineup.