Summary (tl;dr)

Longtime ESPN "SportsCenter" anchor Linda Cohn is trending as she announces her retirement from the network after a historic 33-year career, with her final broadcasts scheduled for June 26, 2026, and official retirement on June 30, 2026.

Essential Background

Linda Cohn joined ESPN in July 1992 and quickly became a prominent face of the network's flagship program, "SportsCenter." Throughout her tenure, she set a record for anchoring more editions of "SportsCenter" than anyone in ESPN history, having hosted over 5,000 shows by 2016 and more than 650 since then. Beyond her anchoring duties, Cohn also contributed to ESPN's hockey coverage and appeared in the popular "This Is SportsCenter" commercials, cementing her status as a beloved and influential figure in sports media. In 2017, she was inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame.

The Full Story

ESPN officially announced on Monday, June 22, 2026, that Linda Cohn will retire from the network on June 30, concluding a remarkable 33-year career. Her final appearances on "SportsCenter" are slated for Friday, June 26, where she will anchor the 6 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m. ET editions. ESPN plans to celebrate Cohn's extraordinary legacy with special segments originating from its Connecticut studios, featuring reflections on her career and appearances alongside current ESPN personalities. Additionally, fans can hear more from Cohn in a recent appearance on the "This Was SportsCenter: Stories from the Set" podcast, hosted by Rich Eisen, which is available on demand through the ESPN App and Disney+.

Why It Matters

Linda Cohn's retirement is a significant event in the sports broadcasting world, marking the end of an era for one of ESPN's most enduring and impactful personalities. Her long and distinguished career has made her a trailblazer for women in sports media, inspiring many who followed in her footsteps. Cohn's consistent presence and dedication to sports journalism have left an indelible mark on ESPN and the industry as a whole, making her departure a noteworthy moment for fans and professionals alike. Her exit is also part of a recent trend of long-tenured "SportsCenter" anchors leaving the network.

Geographic Location

• Bristol, Hartford County, Connecticut, United States (ESPN headquarters, location of farewell broadcasts)