Linda Cohn Announces Retirement from ESPN After 34 Years

Linda Cohn, the well-known anchor from SportsCenter, revealed her retirement plans on Monday, marking the end of a notable 34-year career with ESPN.

Her final day with the network will be June 30. Leading up to her exit, ESPN intends to honor her at their Bristol headquarters. Cohn is set to join the evening edition of SportsCenter this coming Friday, alongside her long-time co-host John Buccigross during the NHL Draft.

Over the years, Cohn has hosted more than 5,500 episodes of “SportsCenter,” a record number. She began her career with ESPN in Bristol back in 1992 and made her way to Los Angeles in 2018, where she took on the 1 AM slot for “SportsCenter.” While she’s been with the program since it moved to Bristol in 2025, her influence extends well beyond just anchor duties.

Cohn has contributed to various studio shows centered around the NHL and provided commentary for the WNBA games. Her love for hockey is evident; she played as a goalie during her college years. Additionally, she’s made appearances in memorable “This is SportsCenter” commercials.

Cohn expressed pride in witnessing the growth of aspiring female sports reporters, saying, “What I’m most proud of is the longevity of my career and being able to watch little girls grow up watching this movie [SportsCenter] and succeed in this business.” In 2017, she was recognized with induction into the National Sports Media Hall of Fame.

ESPN Chairman Burke Magnus commented on her retirement, stating, “Linda Cohn is a legend and an important part of ESPN’s history. For more than 30 years, she has brought enthusiasm, personality, and a love of sports to our viewers. Her contributions, both in front of and behind the camera, are extensive. We wish her well in her retirement and thank her sincerely.”