After more than three decades behind the SportsCenter desk, one of the most recognizable faces in sports television is getting ready to say goodbye.
Veteran ESPN anchor Linda Cohn has announced her retirement from the network after an extraordinary 34-year run, ending one of the longest and most influential careers in sports broadcasting history.
Cohn, who has anchored more than 5,500 editions of SportsCenter, will make her final appearance on June 30 before officially stepping away from ESPN.
End of an era at ESPN
For generations of sports fans, Cohn became synonymous with SportsCenter.
Since joining ESPN in 1992, she helped shape the network’s signature news program while becoming one of the most respected voices in sports media. Her longevity, versatility and passion for sports made her a fixture on the network through several eras of broadcasts.
Her final week will include covering the NHL Draft alongside longtime colleague John Buccigross before a series of farewell SportsCenter broadcasts closes out her career.
A career that helped open doors
Reflecting on her retirement, Cohn pointed not to accolades or milestones, but to the impact she hopes she had on future generations.
“The thing I’m most proud of is that my career lasted long enough for me to watch little girls grow up watching SportsCenter, go into this business and be successful at it,” she said.
“If my journey helped make that path a little easier for them, then that’s the achievement I’ll value the most.”
These words capture why Cohn’s influence extended far beyond highlights and box scores. She became one of the most visible female broadcasters in sports television and inspired countless women to pursue careers in sports media.
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ESPN pays tribute
ESPN president Burke Magnus praised Cohn’s contributions after the announcement.
“Linda Cohn is a legend and a huge part of ESPN’s history,” Magnus said. “She has brought enthusiasm, personality and her love of sports to our audiences for more than 30 years.”
He added that her contributions both on and off camera helped shape the network throughout her career.
Hockey remained close to her heart
Although SportsCenter made her famous, hockey has always held a special place in Cohn’s life.
A former college hockey goaltender, she became one of ESPN’s most recognizable NHL personalities and played a significant role in the network’s hockey coverage over the years.
In addition to anchoring SportsCenter, she contributed to NHL studio programming and even handled play-by-play duties for WNBA broadcasts.
A Hall of Fame legacy
Cohn’s impact on sports broadcasting was formally recognized in 2017 when she was inducted into the National Sports Media Hall of Fame.
Her retirement comes after reports that she and ESPN were unable to agree on a long-term role following the expiration of her current contract, which ends later this month.
Still, her departure marks the end of one of the most successful careers the network has ever seen.
TMSPN Tag
SportsCenter has featured countless memorable personalities, but few have become as closely associated with the brand as Linda Cohn. For 34 years, she was a constant presence through changing eras, changing formats and changing generations of sports fans. Whether covering the biggest stories of the day or championing hockey coverage, Cohn built a legacy that extends far beyond the anchor desk. Her retirement closes a chapter not just for ESPN, but for sports media as a whole.
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