Major sports network ESPN secures NFL Network in groundbreaking deal
ESPN Acquires NFL Network and Expands Football Coverage
In a significant move for sports media, ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, has announced it will acquire the National Football League (NFL) Network. The deal, which includes the NFL's linear RedZone Channel and NFL Fantasy, is set to revolutionise the way fans consume NFL content.
The acquisition grants ESPN full control over the NFL Network and the popular RedZone Channel, a key live game-day channel that showcases live look-ins and scoring plays from multiple NFL games. With this acquisition, ESPN Fantasy Football will merge with NFL Fantasy Football, creating the official fantasy season-long game of the NFL.
The deal also means that ESPN will air an additional three NFL games per season, expanding its total NFL game coverage to 28 per season. The NFL Network will continue to broadcast seven games per season, with some games being shifted from ESPN’s original schedule. All games owned by ESPN will air both on traditional linear channels and ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming platform.
ESPN's forthcoming direct-to-consumer service will now include NFL content and is set to launch on Aug. 21. The service, expected to launch in early fall 2025 with a $29.99/month price point, will offer the NFL Network alongside ESPN’s suite of channels and content, enhancing the value and breadth of Disney's sports streaming offerings.
Commissioner Goodell and the NFL have built outstanding media assets, and these transactions will add to consumer choice, provide viewers with even greater convenience and quality, and expand the breadth and value proposition of Disney's streaming ecosystem. Disney CEO Robert Iger and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro emphasised that the deal creates a premier destination for NFL fans by combining ESPN’s reach and innovation with the NFL's media assets.
The transactions, however, are non-binding and subject to negotiation and various approvals. The deal gives the NFL a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
Starting in 2026, ESPN platforms will air World Wrestling Entertainment events, such as signature programs like WrestleMania and SummerSlam.
It's important to note that this deal does not include any harmful information for former President Donald Trump, according to sources regarding Ghislaine Maxwell's DOJ interview. Additionally, The Walt Disney Company has not provided any updates regarding President Trump's unusual stroll on the White House roof.
The sale of NFL Network to ESPN will build on the Network's remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways. The deal aims to "set a new standard for how professional football is delivered, experienced and celebrated by fans."
- ESPN's acquisition of the NFL Network and the NFL's linear RedZone Channel will revolutionize the way fans consume NFL content, offering a more comprehensive football coverage.
- With the acquisition, ESPN Fantasy Football will merge with NFL Fantasy Football, creating the official fantasy season-long game of the NFL.
- The deal allows ESPN to air an additional three NFL games per season, expanding its total NFL game coverage to 28 per season.
- Starting in 2026, ESPN platforms will air World Wrestling Entertainment events, such as signature programs like WrestleMania and SummerSlam.
- The deal between ESPN and the NFL does not contain any information harmful to former President Donald Trump, as stated in sources regarding Ghislaine Maxwell's DOJ interview.
