Linda Cohn is a name every sports fan knows. She is a true icon in the world of sports broadcasting. For decades, she has been the face of ESPN’s SportsCenter, connecting fans to the games they love. Her career is more than just a job; it’s a story of breaking barriers and inspiring others.
What makes Linda stand out? It’s her passion, her knowledge, and her connection with the audience. From hosting record-breaking episodes to being a trusted voice in hockey coverage, Linda’s journey is nothing short of legendary.
This blog explores everything about her—her career, her achievements, and even her net worth. You’ll find details about her role at ESPN, her life outside the spotlight, and the impact she has made on sports broadcasting. Whether you are curious about her journey or seeking inspiration, this is the place to start.
Who Is Linda Cohn?
Linda Cohn is a trailblazing sportscaster, widely celebrated as one of the most prominent faces of ESPN. With a career spanning decades, she has become synonymous with SportsCenter, a flagship program where her engaging personality and deep sports knowledge have won the hearts of millions.
Beyond her on-screen presence, Linda Cohn has broken barriers as a female broadcaster in a predominantly male-dominated industry, earning her a respected place in sports journalism history.
Where Did Linda Cohn Grow Up?
Linda Cohn, born on November 10, 1959, grew up in Long Island, New York, in the town of Roslyn Heights.
Her upbringing in this suburban area shaped her love for sports early on, as she spent much of her childhood immersed in games like hockey, basketball, and baseball.
Growing up in a supportive environment, Linda developed a strong passion for sports, encouraged by her family and community.
Where Does Linda Cohn Live?
Currently, Linda Cohn resides in Southern California.
Her move to this vibrant region was largely influenced by her professional commitments at ESPN and her love for warm weather and the active lifestyle the area offers.
Living in California allows her to stay connected to the pulse of the sports world while enjoying the perks of coastal living.
Who Is Linda Cohn Married To?
Linda Cohn was previously married to Stew Kaufman. They married in 1980 but divorced in 2008. The couple shares two children. Despite their separation, they have maintained a strong commitment to co-parenting and supporting their family.
Linda keeps her personal life private but often speaks about the importance of family and balancing her demanding career with motherhood.
What Inspired Linda Cohn to Pursue Sports Broadcasting?
Linda Cohn’s passion for sports broadcasting stems from her lifelong love for sports, particularly hockey. As a young girl, she was captivated by the excitement of live games and the energy of announcers narrating the action.
Her inspiration to pursue a career in broadcasting was also driven by her determination to see more women represented in sports media.
Linda’s unique ability to connect with sports fans and her deep understanding of the games she covered made her stand out from the beginning.
What Is Linda Cohn’s Educational Background?
Linda Cohn’s educational journey reflects her drive to succeed in sports broadcasting. She attended SUNY Oswego (State University of New York at Oswego), where she earned a degree in communications.
During her time there, she honed her skills as a play-by-play announcer for the school’s hockey team—a rare opportunity for a woman at the time.
Her hands-on experience at SUNY Oswego was instrumental in laying the foundation for her remarkable career in sports journalism.
Linda Cohn Professional Broadcasting Career
What Network Has Linda Cohn Previously Worked For?
Before joining ESPN, Linda Cohn built her broadcasting career working with several notable networks. She started at WALK-AM, a small radio station in Patchogue, New York, where she was one of the first women hired as a full-time sportscaster.
From there, she worked at WFAN, the first all-sports radio station in New York, gaining experience and recognition. Linda also contributed to SportsChannel America, covering hockey and other sports, which solidified her reputation as a skilled sportscaster. These early experiences laid the groundwork for her successful career at ESPN.
What Network Is Linda Cohn Currently Working For?
Linda Cohn has been a cornerstone of ESPN since 1992. As one of the longest-serving anchors on SportsCenter, she has become an integral part of the network’s identity.
Her role extends beyond anchoring, as she also contributes to the coverage of major sports events, including the NHL. Linda’s consistent presence and expertise have made her a beloved figure among ESPN’s viewers.
Who Is Linda Cohn’s Broadcast Partner?
Over the years, Linda Cohn has worked alongside many notable broadcast partners. On SportsCenter, she frequently shares the screen with a rotating roster of co-anchors, such as Stan Verrett and Steve Levy, among others.
Her chemistry with her co-anchors and her ability to adapt to different styles make her a versatile and collaborative broadcaster.
What Sports Does Linda Cohn Cover?
Linda Cohn covers a wide range of sports, showcasing her deep knowledge and versatility. She is particularly well-known for her expertise in hockey, a sport she has loved since childhood.
Beyond hockey, Linda covers basketball, football, baseball, and major sporting events like the Olympics. Her ability to engage with fans across multiple sports has been a defining feature of her career.
What Are Linda Cohn’s Future Prospects?
As one of ESPN’s most respected anchors, Linda Cohn’s future prospects remain bright. While continuing her role on SportsCenter, she has expressed interest in exploring more opportunities within sports media, including in-depth interviews and podcasts. Given her experience and popularity, Linda is likely to remain a key figure in sports broadcasting for years to come.
What Are Linda Cohn’s Major Achievements and Awards?
Linda Cohn’s career is marked by numerous achievements and accolades. In 2017, she was inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame, a testament to her impact on the industry. She also holds the record for hosting the most SportsCenter episodes.
Additionally, Linda’s contributions to hockey coverage earned her recognition from the NHL, further solidifying her legacy as a sports broadcasting pioneer.
Who Are Similar Announcers to Linda Cohn?
Linda Cohn’s style and impact are often compared to other legendary sports broadcasters, such as Suzy Kolber, Hannah Storm, and Robin Roberts. Like Linda, these women have broken barriers in sports media, paving the way for future generations.
Each of them brings a unique voice to the industry, but Linda’s dedication to hockey and her long tenure at ESPN set her apart.
Does Linda Cohn Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Yes, Linda Cohn frequently participates in private speaking engagements. She shares her experiences as a sportscaster and offers insights into breaking barriers in male-dominated industries.
Linda’s speaking engagements often inspire young professionals, especially women, to pursue their goals in broadcasting and other fields.
Does Linda Cohn Have a Podcast?
Yes, Linda Cohn hosts a podcast called “In the Crease”, which focuses on NHL coverage. This podcast allows her to delve deeper into hockey, a sport she is deeply passionate about, and connect with fans on a more personal level.
Through her podcast, Linda provides expert analysis, interviews with players and coaches, and insights into the latest hockey news.
How Has Linda Cohn Contributed to Women’s Sports Broadcasting?
Linda Cohn has been a trailblazer for women in sports broadcasting. She broke barriers by becoming one of the first full-time female sportscasters, proving that women could excel in the industry.
Her success has inspired countless young women to pursue careers in sports journalism. Linda’s advocacy for equal opportunities and her mentorship of aspiring broadcasters have further solidified her role as a pioneer in the field.
What Is Linda Cohn’s Net Worth?
Linda Cohn, a veteran American sportscaster, has an estimated net worth of $12 million.
This substantial wealth reflects her successful and enduring career in sports broadcasting, particularly her long-standing association with ESPN.
How Much Is Linda Cohn’s Contract For?
Linda Cohn signed a long-term contract extension with ESPN in 2018, confirming her key role at the network.
In 2022, after celebrating 30 years at ESPN, she signed a new multiyear deal.
This ensures she will continue to anchor SportsCenter and contribute to NHL coverage. While the exact terms of her contracts are not public, these agreements highlight her value and long-standing impact in sports broadcasting.
How Much Does Linda Cohn Make in Salary Per Year?
Linda Cohn’s annual salary at ESPN is reported to be $3 million.
This compensation underscores her value to the network and her status as one of the prominent figures in sports broadcasting.
What Are Linda Cohn’s Additional Sources of Income?
Beyond her salary from ESPN, Linda Cohn has diversified her income through various avenues.
She authored a memoir titled “Cohn-Head: A No-Holds-Barred Account of Breaking Into the Boys’ Club,” which provides insights into her career and experiences in the sports industry.
Additionally, she engages in private speaking engagements, sharing her journey and expertise with audiences, which contributes to her overall earnings.
What Sponsorships or Brand Deals Does Linda Cohn Have?
Information regarding specific sponsorships or brand deals involving Linda Cohn is not widely publicized. Unlike some sports personalities who actively participate in endorsement deals, Linda has primarily focused on her broadcasting career.
However, her prominence in the sports media landscape makes her a potential candidate for future partnerships with brands seeking to align with her credibility and reach.
Linda Cohn’s Personal Life and Interests
What Are Linda Cohn’s Hobbies Outside of Broadcasting?
When Linda Cohn steps away from the broadcasting world, she enjoys spending her time indulging in activities that reflect her love for sports and staying active.
As a long-time hockey fan, she often watches NHL games as a spectator, savoring the thrill of the sport she’s most passionate about.
Additionally, Linda enjoys playing recreational hockey, a hobby she has cherished since her youth. Beyond sports, she appreciates reading, especially books about sports history and inspirational stories, which resonate with her journey and career values.
Is Linda Cohn Involved in Charitable Activities?
Yes, Linda Cohn actively participates in charitable initiatives. She has supported organizations that focus on youth sports development and gender equality in athletics.
Her involvement often includes mentoring programs aimed at inspiring young women to pursue careers in sports broadcasting and journalism.
Linda has also contributed to events that raise funds for underprivileged athletes, ensuring they have access to resources and opportunities to excel in their respective fields.
Her philanthropic efforts reflect her commitment to giving back to the community and empowering future generations.
How Does Linda Cohn Balance Her Personal and Professional Life?
Linda Cohn has mastered the art of balancing her demanding career with her personal life. She prioritizes time with her family and ensures her professional commitments do not overshadow her role as a mother.
Organization and time management play a crucial role in her ability to stay on top of her responsibilities.
Linda also emphasizes self-care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and mindfulness practices.
By setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, she has created a sustainable balance that enables her to thrive in both areas of her life.
Linda Cohn’s Legacy in Sports Broadcasting
How Has Linda Cohn Influenced Future Broadcasters?
Linda Cohn has significantly shaped the sports broadcasting industry, serving as a role model for aspiring journalists, especially women.
By becoming one of the first full-time female sportscasters, she broke through barriers in a male-dominated field and showed that women could excel in this profession.
Her commitment to excellence and her deep knowledge of sports have inspired countless young broadcasters to pursue their dreams without hesitation.
Linda’s ability to connect with audiences, paired with her authentic and professional demeanor, has set a standard for future broadcasters, proving that passion and preparation are key to success in sports journalism.
What Will Linda Cohn Be Remembered for in Sports Broadcasting?
Linda Cohn’s enduring legacy lies in her role as a trailblazer and an icon in sports media. She will be remembered for her dedication to sports journalism, her decades-long tenure at ESPN, and her record-breaking number of episodes hosted on SportsCenter.
Her expertise in hockey, in particular, has distinguished her as a voice of authority in the sport. Moreover, Linda’s unwavering determination to promote equality and her advocacy for women in broadcasting have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Future generations will regard her as a pioneer who opened doors for others while maintaining a consistent and impactful presence on screen.
