Theme Park Scope

One of the most recognizable faces in sports broadcasting is officially signing off.

After more than three decades behind the SportsCenter desk, Linda Cohn has announced she is retiring from ESPN, bringing an end to one of the longest and most influential careers in sports television. The longtime anchor will step away from the Disney-owned network after 34 years, with her final day on air set for Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Cohn joined ESPN in 1992 and went on to become the longest-tenured SportsCenter anchor in the network’s history. During her remarkable career, she hosted more than 5,500 editions of SportsCenter, more than any other anchor, making her one of the most recognizable personalities in ESPN history.

Before signing off for the final time, Cohn will appear on several special broadcasts, including the evening editions of SportsCenter and coverage of the NHL Draft, where she’ll reconnect with longtime colleague John Buccigross. Her final SportsCenter broadcasts will air on June 30.

While many fans know Cohn for SportsCenter, her career extended far beyond the anchor desk. She also worked as a WNBA play-by-play announcer, contributed extensively to ESPN’s NHL coverage, hosted studio programming, and became one of the most respected voices in sports journalism. In 2017, she was inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame, recognizing her impact on the industry and her role in inspiring future generations of broadcasters.

In a statement announcing her retirement, Cohn reflected on her career with gratitude, saying she is especially proud of the example she set for young women pursuing careers in sports media. Although she’s leaving ESPN, Cohn made it clear that she isn’t retiring from life altogether, adding that “my story is still being written.”

As one of Disney’s most recognizable media personalities through ESPN, Linda Cohn leaves behind a legacy that spans generations of sports fans. Her consistency, passion, and authenticity helped define SportsCenter for millions of viewers over the past three decades, making her retirement the end of an era for the network.

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