Linda Cohn Signs New Deal With ESPN

Long-time sportscaster Linda Cohn has signed a new contract with ESPN. Terms and length were not disclosed.

Cohn has been with ESPN for more than 26 years and is the longest-tenured anchor for the network’s main news program SportsCenter.

Cohn joined ESPN in 1992 and anchored her first SportsCenter on July 11, 1992. She was recognized in 2016 for her 5,000^th episode of SportsCenter, the most of any anchor in ESPN history. And in 2017, she was inducted into the National Sports Media Association (NSMA) Hall of Fame.

“Linda continues to deliver outstanding work for us on SportsCenter and everything else she does,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president and executive editor, studio production. “She’s hosted more SportsCenters than anyone else and her passion and devotion have made her a legend, but it’s the quality of her performance every time the red light goes on that makes her such a valuable member of our team.

“We’re delighted that she’ll still be connecting with sports fans on ESPN platforms for many more years.”

Fittingly, Cohn used a sports analogy to express her happiness with the new deal.

“It means a lot to me to stay with one franchise and one place for my entire career,” said Cohn. “I wanted to be with ESPN and am so happy to have this opportunity. I don’t feel like someone who’s been at ESPN for 26-plus years. I’ll always have a passion for sports. It’s part of my DNA. It’s still an adrenaline rush for me.”

As part of her new deal, Cohn will not only remain a SportsCenter anchor but also will increase her role in ESPN’s coverage of hockey. She will continue as primary host of the ESPN+ hockey program In the Crease, which debuted during last season’s Stanley Cup Playoffs and will expand to five nights a week for the entire NHL season. In addition, she will do hockey-related interviews and features for SportsCenter and other ESPN platforms.

“What a success and breakthrough it was to get hockey back and host In the Crease,” she said. “The response not only from hockey purists but from casual sports fans was tremendous because with ESPN+ they can now watch this show when they want to watch it. I’m known for my love of hockey and the NHL and I can’t wait to continue to share that experience.”

Cohn has displayed her versatility during her ESPN career with hosting, reporting, commentating, interviewing, writing and calling play-by-play. She also has appeared in many of ESPN’s iconic “This Is SportsCenter” commercials.

“I’m excited to create new memories here at ESPN,” Cohn said.