Net Worth and Career:
Linda Cohn’s estimated net worth is over $10 million, primarily accumulated through her prolific career in sports broadcasting. She earns an annual salary of over $3 million through her contract with ESPN. Additionally, her autobiographical book has contributed to her overall wealth.
Early Life and Education:
Growing up in Long Island, Linda developed an interest in sports while watching games with her father. Encouraged by her mother, she played ice hockey, excelling as a goaltender and even joining the boys’ team at Newfield High School during her senior year. She pursued a degree in communications at the State University of New York at Oswego, where she continued her success as a goaltender for the women’s ice hockey team.
Path to ESPN:
After graduation in 1981, Linda started her career as a sports anchor for radio stations in New York. In 1987, she joined ABC, becoming the first full-time female sports anchor for a national US radio network. She transitioned to television with SportsChannel America before joining KIRO-TV in Seattle. In 1992, ESPN offered her a contract, marking the beginning of her long-standing association with the network.
Continued Work with ESPN:
Linda’s early years at ESPN involved training to enhance her television presence, gradually becoming a prominent figure on “SportsCenter.” Over the years, she expanded her roles, covering college basketball, WNBA games, and becoming the regular anchor of the morning block of “SportsCenter.” She hosts the podcast “Listen Closely to Linda Cohn” and signed a multi-year deal in 2018, making her the longest-standing host of “SportsCenter.”
Personal Life:
Linda Cohn was married to Stew Kaufman in 1980, and they have a son and a daughter. However, they filed for divorce in 2008. She later dated Matt Voity for 11 years before their relationship ended. Linda is a passionate fan of New York sports teams, including the Rangers, Knicks, Mets, and Giants. Despite her personal sports preferences, she criticized ESPN for its perceived left-wing political bias during a radio interview, leading to a temporary suspension from work.
Linda Cohn’s enduring career, dedication to sports broadcasting, and contributions to ESPN make her a respected figure in the industry.
