Longest-tenured ‘SportsCenter’ anchor Linda Cohn retiring

Linda Cohn, who has anchored more editions of “SportsCenter” than anyone in ESPN history, will retire from the network June 30, 2026.

Cohn, who was honored in 2016 for hosting her 5,000th edition of “SportsCenter,” will make her final appearances on the program during its 6 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET editions June 26, 2026.

“When I look back, I have amazing memories of the shows I hosted, the games I reported on, the athletes I met and the outstanding colleagues I got to work with,” Cohn said in a statement. “I’ve always said I was a fan first and I’ve always tried to keep that top of mind when I was doing SportsCenter or anything else.”

Cohn began her broadcasting career in 1981 on Long Island as a radio news anchor, writer and sports reporter. She joined ESPN in July 1992 and anchored her first “SportsCenter” at 2 a.m. July 11, 1992.

“But what I’m most proud of is that my career lasted long enough for me to see little girls grow up watching SportsCenter, enter this business, and succeed in it,” Cohn said. “If my journey helped make that path a little easier for them, then that’s the achievement I’ll cherish most.”

Cohn has lived in the Los Angeles area since relocating from Connecticut in 2018. She most recently anchored the late-night edition of “SportsCenter,” which originated from Los Angeles until last year.

ESPN recognized Cohn on Feb. 21, 2016, for anchoring her 5,000th “SportsCenter.” She has anchored more than 650 additional editions over the past decade while also contributing to ESPN’s hockey coverage.

During her ESPN career, Cohn has served as host, reporter, commentator, interviewer, writer and play-by-play voice. A former collegiate ice hockey goalie at SUNY Oswego, she became a regular presence in ESPN’s hockey coverage, including as a host and reporter.

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Cohn also appeared in several of ESPN’s “This Is SportsCenter” commercials. In 2017, she was inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame.

“Linda Cohn is a legend and a major part of the history of ESPN,” Burke Magnus, ESPN president of content, said in a statement. “She has brought enthusiasm, personality and her love of sports to our audience for more than 30 years and her contributions to ESPN both in front of and behind the camera would make a very long list. We wish her all the best in her retirement and sincerely thank her.”

As part of her final day on “SportsCenter,” Cohn will return to ESPN’s Connecticut studios to reflect on her career and impact on women in sports media.

She will appear with Kevin Negandhi during the 6 p.m. ET edition, join Nicole Briscoe and Treavor Scales during the 10 p.m. edition and reconnect with longtime co-host John Buccigross live from the NHL Draft. ESPN will also honor Cohn during the 11 p.m. edition with Madelyn Burke and Phil Murphy.

Cohn also recently appeared on “This Was SportsCenter: Stories from the Set,” the ESPN video podcast hosted by former “SportsCenter” anchor Rich Eisen. The program is available on demand on the ESPN app and Disney+.

“I’m grateful for every moment I had at ESPN but I’m inspired and energized by the opportunities that lie ahead,” Cohn said. “My story is still being written.”