Longtime ESPN broadcaster Karl Ravech is expected to be among the latest layoffs at the network, sources told The Athletic Tuesday.
Ravech, a 31-year ESPN veteran, served as the network’s lead baseball play-by-play announcer and also covered college basketball and anchored SportsCenter. He called the Dodgers-Phillies game Monday before reportedly learning his job was at risk.
When contacted by The Athletic Tuesday morning, Ravech reportedly said he had not yet been informed of his status as ESPN prepared to notify employees.
The cuts follow ESPN’s decision Monday to part ways with NFL analyst Ryan Clark, with additional layoffs expected to hit behind-the-scenes staff. Most of the reductions are reportedly coming at NFL Network, including Tom Pelissero, one of the network’s top insiders, per The Athletic.
A memo from ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro to employees Tuesday morning, obtained by The Independent, did not identify those impacted by the layoffs, but said the cuts followed a review of the company’s teams, resources and structure after integrating acquired NFL assets. ESPN acquired NFL Network in late January as part of a deal with the league that also gave the NFL a 10 percent stake in ESPN.
“Over the past several months, we’ve made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN. Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the future. As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts that we will be communicating today,” Pitaro wrote.
“While most of the job impacts are tied to the acquisition, we will also notify colleagues in other parts of the company today that their positions have been impacted. We are committed to treating employees with compassion and respect and to providing support as they navigate this transition,” the memo continued. “Even in moments like these, the strength of ESPN comes from our people, our teamwork and our shared mission to serve sports fans.”
ESPN declined to provide further comment.
Clark addressed his layoff in an Instagram post Tuesday, sharing clips of his workout allegedly before he received the news.
“Proof of Life…Before the madness of yesterday, I woke up, got in my Tundra, drove to Planet Fitness, and got to work,” Clark wrote. “The rest of the day was eventful, but the journey continues. My peace is with God, and my humility comes from within. I’ll continue to build myself so the world can never strip me of what’s real. Get moving today y’all!”
Clark also showed support for his fellow shuttered colleagues on X, writing Tuesday. “Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN. So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now. My hope is as this door closes, another opens for you all. God bless!”
