From Math to Media: Arda Öcal’s Journey to ESPN and Beyond

Mitlin Money Mindset

Many dream of working in sports media, but few take unconventional paths to get there.

How does a math major become a top ESPN broadcaster? What lessons can we learn from his perseverance and passion?

In this episode of Mitlin Money Mindset®, Larry Sprung interviews Arda Öcal, host for NHL on ESPN and SportsCenter anchor. Arda shares his journey from an unexpected start in broadcasting to becoming a respected voice in sports media. He reflects on overcoming challenges, embracing his uniqueness, and finding inspiration in surprising places.

Arda discusses:

• How his love for sports and storytelling led him from a math degree to a career in broadcasting
• The persistence and resilience required to break into and thrive in the media industry
• His near decision to change his name to improve job prospects and why he’s glad he didn’t
• The power of hearing “no” and how rejection can be a stepping stone to future opportunities
• How video games, Star Wars, and hockey inspire his personal and professional growth
• And more!

Resources:

• Mitlin Financial
• The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung
• Download Your Free Copy of the Couple’s JOYful Money Guide

Connect with Larry Sprung:

• LinkedIn: Larry Sprung
• Instagram: Larry Sprung
• Facebook: Larry Sprung
• X (Twitter): Larry Sprung

Connect with Arda Öcal:

• Twitter: @arda
• IG: @ardaocal
• TikTok: @ardaocaltok
• LinkedIn: Arda Öcal

About our Guest:

Arda Öcal is an NHL on ESPN host (game broadcasts, In The Crease, various features) and a SportsCenter anchor who also hosts SportsCenter on Snapchat, SportsNation, and has contributed to NBA, PGA TOUR, Euro soccer, esports, MLS, UFC, MLB and NFL coverage at ESPN.

Prior to ESPN, Öcal worked for MSG Networks as an NHL/NBA game host, WWE, The Score as a sports anchor, Weather Network as a field reporter (including right in the middle of deadly storms and blizzards) and many other places. Öcal has hosted more than 300 live events, from sporting events, concerts, to panels, conventions and more.

After failing to make the Oakville Rangers AAA minor hockey team, Öcal turned his attention to broadcasting, where he began as a host, reporter and play-by-play announcer for the OHL’s Brampton Battalion and Mississauga St., Michaels Majors and the AHL’s Toronto Marlies – all on Rogers TV. Öcal eventually made his way to MSG Networks, where he handled many hockey related posts, including the MSG 150 on Rangers broadcasts, Devils game broadcasts, and hosting the MSG Hockey Show for two seasons. Öcal has also hosted ESPN’S In The Crease the last two seasons.

In addition, Öcal is a member of MENSA International and is a dual official video game world record holder, in NHLPA93 and NHL96 for Sega Genesis. Arda is also the voice of the NHL Gaming World Championship, the NHL’s official major yearly esports tournament, as well as many NHL team tournaments across the league. Öcal was featured in the NHL’s “United by Hockey” Mobile Museum Experience which toured North America during the 2023-2024 NHL Season to celebrate hockey’s influential figures and trailblazers, and highlight leaders from diverse communities across various backgrounds. In October 2023, Arda gave a TED Talk about inspiration and his experience as one of the only Muslim broadcasters in SportsCenter and hockey history.

Arda has a degree in Mathematics from the University in Waterloo and lives in New York with his wife Jennifer and daughters Ayla and Katia.

Disclosure:

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.