The Trailblazers: 7 Most Influential Female SportsCenter Hosts And Their Current Status (2024 Update)

The landscape of sports broadcasting is constantly evolving, and as of late 2024, a new generation of dynamic, informed, and influential women is dominating the airwaves at ESPN. These female Sportscenter hosts are not just reading highlights; they are shaping the narrative, breaking down complex stories, and setting new records for career longevity in a historically male-dominated industry. Their presence underscores a significant shift towards greater diversity and expertise on the worldwide leader in sports.

This article provides an in-depth look at the most prominent and impactful female anchors currently gracing the *SportsCenter* desk, from pioneering veterans who set unbreakable records to the newest faces who are quickly becoming fan favorites. We dive into their recent career updates, unique backstories, and the sheer dedication that has cemented their status as elite sports journalists.

The New Guard and Established Legends: A Closer Look at ESPN's Top Female SportsCenter Anchors

The women of *SportsCenter* represent a blend of experience and fresh perspective. Here is a detailed look at the most influential female hosts, including their key biographical details and recent career milestones, ensuring you have the most up-to-date information on who is driving the conversation at ESPN.

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• Linda Cohn: The undisputed veteran, holding the record for the most *SportsCenter* appearances by any anchor, male or female.
• Elle Duncan: Known for her engaging personality and powerful on-air moments, she is a crucial voice on the late-night and morning editions.
• Nicole Briscoe: A versatile host often seen on *SportsCenter* and as a prominent reporter for Formula 1 coverage.
• Antonietta Collins: A popular Mexican-American sportscaster, she is a key anchor for *SportsCenter*, often contributing to the network's Spanish-language programming.
• Amina Smith: One of the network's newest and most exciting additions, joining the *SportsCenter* team in early 2024.
• Kelsey Riggs: Recently transitioned into a full-time *SportsCenter* anchor role, cementing her place on the flagship program.
• Christine Williamson: A familiar face on the afternoon *SportsCenter* editions, having joined ESPN in 2019.

Linda Cohn: The Unbreakable Record Holder

Biography & Profile:

• Born: November 10, 1959 (Long Island, New York)
• Joined ESPN: 1992
• Key Role: *SportsCenter* Anchor (primarily weekend editions from Los Angeles)
• Notable Achievement: Holds the record for the most *SportsCenter* appearances by any anchor (male or female), surpassing 5,000 shows.
• Estimated Annual Salary: Approximately $3 million.

Linda Cohn’s career longevity at ESPN is unmatched, a testament to her dedication and unique style. After joining the network in 1992, she quickly became a fixture, known for her thick New York accent and deep knowledge of hockey. Cohn reached a monumental milestone by anchoring her 5,000th *SportsCenter*—a record that speaks volumes about her enduring appeal and commitment to sports journalism. Her presence on the weekend editions, often broadcasting from the Los Angeles studio, continues to provide a vital link between the history of *SportsCenter* and its modern iteration.

Amina Smith: The New Voice of SportsCenter (2024)

Biography & Profile:

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• Joined ESPN: March/April 2024
• Key Role: *SportsCenter* Anchor (contributes to the 2 p.m. and weekend editions)
• Previous Experience: Multi-platform host, including a New England Emmy Award for outstanding Sports Programming—Live for her work on *Patriots Pregame Live*.
• Personal Detail: Married to Kansas City Chiefs safety Deon Bush.

Amina Smith represents the freshest talent to join the *SportsCenter* team in 2024, fulfilling what she described as her "dream job." Smith quickly made an impact, bringing her Emmy-winning experience and a palpable enthusiasm to the flagship news program. Her role, often on the afternoon and weekend broadcasts, is a clear indication of ESPN's commitment to injecting new, diverse voices into its core programming. She has already begun to expand her presence, appearing on other high-profile shows like *First Take*.

Kelsey Riggs and Elle Duncan: Shaping the Modern Broadcast

The current generation of female *SportsCenter* hosts are not just anchors; they are influential personalities who connect with a younger, more diverse audience. Their career paths reflect the changing requirements of modern sports media, demanding versatility, social media savvy, and the ability to handle both hard news and human-interest stories.

Kelsey Riggs: From ACC Network to Full-Time Flagship Anchor

Kelsey Riggs’ transition to a new full-time role as a *SportsCenter* anchor is one of the biggest personnel updates in 2024. Previously known for her extensive work on the ACC Network, Riggs has now cemented her place on ESPN’s primary news and information program. Her new role, which was expected to debut in August 2024, involves delivering live updates, breaking news, and in-depth sports analysis. This move highlights the career progression path within the ESPN ecosystem, where success on a dedicated network can lead to a coveted position on the worldwide flagship show.

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Elle Duncan: The Voice of Representation

Biography & Profile:

• Joined ESPN: May 2016
• Key Role: *SportsCenter* Anchor (often seen on late-night and morning editions)
• Career Path: Began her career in local news and traffic reporting in Atlanta before moving to sports.
• Impact: Recognized as an important source of representation for Black women in sports journalism.

Elle Duncan has become one of the network's most recognizable faces since joining *SportsCenter* in 2016. Her journey from a traffic reporter in Atlanta to a top ESPN anchor showcases her versatility and charisma. Beyond the highlights, Duncan is known for her ability to deliver powerful, personal commentary, making her a vital voice in the sports media landscape. Her work is often cited as inspiring the next generation of female sports journalists at ESPN and beyond.

The Evolution of Women in Sports Broadcasting

The success of the current *SportsCenter* female anchors is built upon decades of pioneering work. The evolution of women in sports broadcasting has been a slow but steady climb, moving from the sidelines to the center desk. Pioneers like Jane Chastain, the first female sports broadcaster in 1963, and Lesley Visser, who broke significant barriers, paved the way for today's stars.

Today, women are not only anchoring but also serving as analysts, executive producers, and lead reporters across all major sports. The sheer number of influential female entities—including Nicole Briscoe (F1 reporter), Hannah Storm (pioneering sports broadcaster), and Jen Lada (feature reporter)—demonstrates how far the industry has come. The increased visibility and the substantial salaries commanded by anchors like Linda Cohn, who earns millions annually, reflect the growing value and respect for women's expertise in the sports world.

Key Entities and Topical Authorities in Female Sports Media

To fully appreciate the depth of talent, one must look beyond *SportsCenter* to other influential female figures at ESPN who contribute to the network's overall topical authority:

• Hannah Storm: A pioneering sports broadcaster and anchor who has won multiple Gracie Awards for her work.
• Nicole Briscoe: Anchors *SportsCenter* but is also the lead reporter for ESPN's Formula 1 coverage, showcasing incredible versatility.
• Sage Steele: A former co-host of the noon *SportsCenter* who had a substantial journalistic career at the network before her departure.
• Malika Andrews: A rising star who hosts *NBA Today* and is a key figure in the network's basketball coverage.
• Holly Rowe: A veteran sideline reporter whose estimated annual salary of $800,000 reflects her invaluable status to the network.
• Molly Qerim: The host of *First Take*, whose net worth is estimated to be around $3 million, highlighting the financial success available to top female hosts.

The continued success and prominence of these women, particularly the recent additions of Amina Smith and Kelsey Riggs to full-time *SportsCenter* roles, prove that talent, expertise, and a genuine passion for sports are the only prerequisites for success at the highest level of sports broadcasting. They are not simply hosts; they are the standard-bearers for a new era of sports journalism.