After anchoring more editions of SportsCenter than anyone in ESPN history — over 5,500 in total — Linda Cohn is signing off. The legendary voice of the network’s flagship show will retire on June 30 following a trailblazing 34-year career.
Cohn, 66, will deliver her final broadcasts during the 6 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m. ET editions of SportsCenter on Friday, June 26. She’ll appear alongside Kevin Negandhi in the early slot, team with Nicole Briscoe and Treavor Scales at 10, and reunite with longtime co-host John Buccigross live from the NHL Draft for the 11 p.m. show. ESPN plans to celebrate her contributions throughout the evening.
A native of Long Island, New York, Cohn’s journey began in radio. She played goalie in hockey — making her high school boys’ team as a senior and starring for the women’s club at SUNY Oswego — before breaking barriers as the first woman to serve as a full-time sports anchor on national radio. She joined ESPN in 1992, debuting on SportsCenter that July, and quickly became one of its most recognizable and respected figures.
Cohn has long expressed pride in paving the way for future generations. “I’m really proud of that,” she noted in reflections on her career, highlighting how she inspired young girls to pursue careers in sports media. Her passion for hockey and advocacy for the sport, especially during periods when ESPN’s coverage was limited, also earned her respect from players and fans alike.
Colleagues echoed that sentiment. John Buccigross, her frequent SportsCenter partner, has hailed her unmatched passion, wit, and skill as a highlight reader — calling her a “grit machine” who always put the fan first.
As she steps away, Cohn looks ahead with optimism. While her contract with ESPN has concluded, she has indicated she’s leaving the network but not disappearing from the industry entirely. Fans and viewers have flooded social media and comments with gratitude for her decades of reliable, energetic delivery that defined countless nights of sports highlights.
In an era of constant change in sports media, Cohn’s record tenure and barrier-breaking path stand out. From late-night radio shifts to becoming the face of SportsCenter, she embodied dedication and professionalism. Her departure marks the end of an era for one of the most iconic voices in American sports broadcasting.
Thank you, Linda. The highlights will never be the same without you.
