SerpApi.Org
Karl Ravech is set to be let go by ESPN after 33 years of service, becoming the next high-profile name to be let go, following former NFL star Ryan Clark.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers star Clark was let go by ESPN on Monday, with news breaking during his final broadcasting appearance for the network. His departure ended 11 years of Service with ESPN, having joined the network in 2015, shortly after retiring from the NFL.
It was then reported by The Athletic that other ESPN talent were bracing for further layoffs on Tuesday. It’s the latest round of firings at ESPN, which has seen cuts over the last two years, and it comes after ESPN’s $3 billion acquisition of the NFL Network.
• ESPN stars arrive at work at risk of axe after colleague brutally fired during show
• ESPN 'fires Ryan Clark mid-show' and immediately takes $2M-a-year star off air
Now, 33-year veteran Ravech, the Worldwide Leader’s lead baseball play-by-play man, is the next to be let go, with Monday’s appearance during the Philadelphia Phillies’ clash with the Los Angeles Dodgers his last for the network.
Ravech is one of ESPN's longest-serving broadcasters, having spent more than three decades with the network since arriving in 1993 as a "SportsCenter" anchor.
Over the years, he has taken on a variety of prominent on-air roles across the company's coverage. It remains to be seen where ESPN will go with the remainder of its baseball coverage in 2026.
The latest wave of cutbacks also came not long after "First Take" superstar host Stephen A. Smith agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract.
Pat McAfee is also said to be in negotiations over a potential $60M-per-year deal with the network to continue his hit show.
Baseball fans have flooded social media to express their sadness over Ravech’s departure. “ESPN doesn't deserve Karl Ravech, he's a legend. Go to MLB Network where you can be appreciated by baseball fans. ESPN hasn't covered baseball properly in over a decade now,” one said.
“@ESPN is getting rid of all this on air talent, some that has been with them for decades," another fumed.
"Ravech can go because they divested themselves of much of their @MLB programming. My how they have fallen; getting rid of all these others while paying Pat McAfee and Stephen A Smith big!”
“This guy is awesome for college baseball... Will be missed on air,” a third reacted.
A fourth said, “It is unbelievable how far ESPN has fallen from it's heyday... Very sad, really. But they have no one to blame but themselves.”
The Athletic also expects one of NFL Network’s insiders, Tom Pelissero, to be let go. Pelissero is considered one of the sport’s best reporters.
