ESPN is expanding Keith Olbermann’s role with the network, including a return to anchor “SportsCenter,” the show that made him one of the most prominent voices in sports media.
Olbermann will guest anchor approximately 20 special editions of the 11 p.m. ET “SportsCenter” throughout the rest of the year, along with adding some play-by-play and other on-site duties for MLB games. He’ll be in the booth for ESPN Radio for the New York Yankees-Houston Astros game on Memorial Day.
Olbermann made his latest return to ESPN in January in a limited capacity, guest-hosting “Pardon the Interruption” and appearing on “SportsCenter” and other ESPN shows.
“Keith’s smart, creative perspective on the world of sports always informs and entertains fans,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN’s executive vice president, production and managing editor. “His varied collection of ESPN appearances over the last several months has provided a great model for utilizing his distinctive voice and this new agreement will extend his contributions even further.”
Olbermann has had a famously on-again, off-again relationship with ESPN. He rose to prominence in the 1990s as one of the network’s most popular anchors, before falling out with management and leaving ESPN for MSNBC to embark on a career in politics. In 2013, Olbermann returned to ESPN with a late-night show, “Olbermann” that was canceled after two years on ESPN2.
“Since we started this, my 6th separate tenure with ESPN, in January, I’ve found the variety of assignments to be most the fun and energizing of all my stints,” said Olberman. “Adding stuff like being a rookie 59-year old play-by-play guy, plus the Rip Van Winkle of ‘SportsCenter,’ only adds to the smorgasbord. Can’t wait, and at my age, I shouldn’t.”