ESPN announces new full-time SportsCenter anchor with major changes made to daily flagship show’s broadcasting team

ESPN has announced host and reporter Kelsey Riggs is joining SportsCenter as the new full-time anchor.

Her debut in the new sports TV role is slated for Thursday, August 29.

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ESPN

Riggs has served as a SportsCenter anchor on a part-time basis since joining ESPN in 2019.

The sportscaster has worked primarily as a host on ACC Network.

She fronted several studio shows, including ACC Huddle and Nothing But Net.

“Kelsey’s passion for sports and her ability to connect with fans make her a perfect fit for SportsCenter,” ESPN ‘s senior VP of production and content strategy Maria Soares said of Riggs’ promotion.

“Already experienced as a part-time SportsCenter anchor, we’re thrilled to have Kelsey part of the show now on a full-time basis.”

Riggs said she’s thrilled about the move.

“When I started at ACCN & ESPN, I never dreamed I’d host SportsCenter,” she said.

“Joining the team full-time is an incredible honor.

“I’m deeply grateful for my time with ACCN and for all the people who helped me reach this iconic show.”

Before joining ESPN, Riggs served as a sports anchor and reporter at an NBC affiliate in Charlotte, NC.

There, she covered an array of events, including Super Bowl 50 and Super Bowl LIII.

Her transition marks another personnel move made by ESPN in recent times.

The Disney-owned network fired Sunday NFL Countdown host Sam Ponder and football analyst Robert Griffin III last week.

Mike Greenberg has been revealed as the new Sunday NFL Countdown host since then.

NFL important dates

August 1 - Hall of Fame Game - Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears

August 8 – Pre-season begins

August 27 – Deadline for 53-man rosters

September 1 – Final day of pre-season

September 5 – Season opener – Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs

November 5 – Trade deadline

January 5 – Week 18 of regular-season

January 11 – Playoffs begin

February 9 – Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana

Meanwhile, Louis Riddick replaced Griffin as ESPN’s college football game analyst.

After his firing, RGIII said that “questions” about his exit would be “answered soon.”

He wrote on X, “As I sit here with my family on this beautiful day, we are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from you guys over the last past 72+ hours.

“YOU GUYS ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST. Your support means everything to us, and I can’t wait to connect with you all directly about everything.

“I’ll be sitting down soon to chat with YOU, so make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, drop all your questions here and under my latest video and I’ll be answering them soon.

“We’re honored that you love the way we cover sports, tell stories, and celebrate life.

“As a family we try to inspire people to be their best everyday, but it’s YOU who inspire us to push even harder. Let’s keep this journey going together.”