Sports media giant ESPN completes purchase of NFL Network and RedZone, receiving a 10% stake in the deal
In a groundbreaking move, ESPN and the NFL have entered into a comprehensive agreement that will see ESPN acquiring several key NFL media assets, including the NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and NFL Fantasy Football. This deal, in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN given to the NFL, aims to redefine how fans engage with the game and fuel ESPN's digital future.
ESPN Gains Control of NFL Network and NFL RedZone
Under the terms of the agreement, ESPN will now own and operate the NFL Network. The linear rights to the NFL RedZone channel will also be acquired by ESPN, with plans to distribute it for pay-TV operators. However, digital rights for NFL RedZone will remain with NFL+ for the time being.
NFL Fantasy Football Merges with ESPN Fantasy
ESPN will also acquire the NFL Fantasy Football product and merge it into its own existing platform, making ESPN Fantasy Football the official NFL fantasy game.
Increased NFL Coverage on ESPN Platforms
The deal will see ESPN's platforms air three additional NFL games per season, increasing its total from 25 to 28 games annually. Meanwhile, NFL Network will continue to air seven games per season, with some games shifting from ESPN and ABC to NFL Network.
Elimination of Monday Doubleheader Staggered Start Format
The deal is expected to eliminate the Monday doubleheader staggered start format that had ESPN and ABC airing games simultaneously.
Four Games to Shift from ESPN to NFL Network
Four games will shift from ESPN to NFL Network as part of the agreement.
Digital Expansion and Streaming Rights
The NFL will retain ownership of key properties including NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, and the NFL Podcast Network. However, the NFL gains the right to license four NFL games to various streaming services, expanding digital availability beyond ESPN’s rights.
ESPN to Stream NFL Preseason Games and Extend NFL Draft Coverage
ESPN will stream select out-of-market NFL preseason games on its direct-to-consumer platform during the 2025 and 2026 seasons and extend its NFL Draft coverage on ESPN and ABC, plus streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
Approval Pending and No Immediate Changes Expected
The deal still requires approval from NFL team owners and federal regulators, so no operational or programming changes are expected until at least the 2026 NFL season.
Statements from ESPN and NFL Leadership
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro stated, "This is an exciting day for sports fans... we're creating a premier destination for football fans." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made a statement about the acquisition, but no specific details were provided.
In summary, this comprehensive agreement positions ESPN as the primary media home for NFL coverage beyond traditional broadcasts, while the NFL retains some digital control and financial participation through its equity stake. The combined ESPN and NFL media assets are aiming to redefine how fans engage with the game, while the acquisition will bring major NFL media properties under Disney-owned network. The sale of NFL Network will build on its remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways. The integration of NFL Network and NFL RedZone into ESPN's upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service is expected to further enhance the fan experience.
- The acquisition of NFL Network and NFL RedZone by ESPN will allow for the linear rights to NFL RedZone to be distributed for pay-TV operators.
- ESPN will merge the NFL Fantasy Football product into its own existing platform, making ESPN Fantasy Football the official NFL fantasy game.
- With the agreement, ESPN's platforms will air three additional NFL games per season, increasing its total from 25 to 28 games annually.
- Four games will shift from ESPN to NFL Network as part of the comprehensive agreement between ESPN and the NFL.
