Arda Öcal is leaving ESPN. His exit ends a decade-long run with the company. The longtime broadcaster confirmed the news this week after serving in multiple high-profile roles across ESPN programming.
What We Know: ESPN talent Arda Öcal served in roles network across studio, digital, and event coverage roles. Furthermore, he became one of the network’s recognizable hockey voices on ESPN. Before joining the network, he worked as a play-by-play announcer, host, and reporter for the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League. Öcal also built credibility in Canada through work with Rogers Sports & Media and The Score.
What They Said: Arda Öcal via X “I got let go from ESPN this morning. It’s all good, I’ll be fine. 10 years is a decent run. I think I’m just gonna take some time off before I decide what’s next. Good vibes and acts of kindness.”
What Remains Unclear: Öcal has not announced his next move. Likewise, ESPN has not shared plans regarding his responsibilities or replacement coverage. However, his experience across television, digital, and social platforms makes him attractive to several sports media companies. Hockey broadcasting in both the United States and Canada could also emerge as logical destinations.
What It Means: Öcal’s voice carries much respect in the hockey media world. His experience in several different sectors of the industry will surely land him an opportunity surrouding the game if he so chooses. For ESPN, it leaves questions about how they will continue to build coverage around their media partner in the NHL. They just re-signed John Buccigross to a new contract, and have added some top analyst talent in P.K. Subban and Mark Messier with their return to hockey coverage. With the league continuing to navigate ways for digital storytelling, I could surely see a path for Öcal there with his work on television, podcasts, streaming, and social channels.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
