NFL Transfers Ownership of NFL Network and Related Media Properties for a 10% Equity Share in ESPN
ESPN and NFL Announce Major Media Partnership
In a significant move for sports media, ESPN and the National Football League (NFL) have reached a wide-ranging series of agreements that will see ESPN acquire premier NFL media assets, while the NFL receives a significant 10% equity stake in ESPN. The deals, announced in August 2025, are subject to regulatory approval and are expected to take effect no earlier than the 2026 NFL season.
Key Aspects of the Agreement
Ownership and Operation ESPN will own and operate the NFL Network, controlling both its linear (traditional TV) and digital rights. NFL Network will be integrated into ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming service launching in August 2025, while continuing to be available on traditional pay-TV platforms.
RedZone Channel ESPN acquires the rights to distribute NFL RedZone to pay TV operators, owning the RedZone brand. However, the NFL will continue to produce and operate the RedZone channel, retaining digital distribution rights.
Fantasy Football The NFL's fantasy football product will merge with ESPN Fantasy Football, making ESPN's offering the official game of the NFL. This merger will allow for synergy, particularly in sports betting features.
Game Broadcasts ESPN will license three additional NFL games per season, increasing their total to 28 games annually. NFL Network will continue to broadcast seven games per season, with some games shifting between ESPN and NFL Network.
Financial Terms Specific dollar amounts have not been publicly disclosed. Instead, the NFL's compensation consists of a 10% ownership stake in ESPN.
Strategic Impact This deal allows the NFL to exit ownership of the cable TV-based NFL Network business, leveraging ESPN's more expansive media and digital distribution capabilities. It aims to enhance fan engagement through ESPN’s digital platforms and expand ESPN's footprint in NFL content.
Additional Offerings ESPN's direct-to-consumer app, launching on Aug. 21 for $29.99 per month, will stream select out-of-market NFL preseason games during the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Exclusive to ESPN DTC subscribers, a video-on-demand "Monday Night Football" will be offered. Additional NFL content on Disney+ will also be available, including the potential for select NFL simulcasts for Disney+ subscribers and the inclusion of incremental highlight rights within shows like "Vibe Check" and SportsCenter+.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has stated that these deals will deliver a more compelling experience for NFL fans, while Commissioner Roger Goodell has said that the sale of NFL Network to ESPN will build on its remarkable legacy and provide more NFL football for more fans in new ways.
These agreements represent a major consolidation in sports media involving a top broadcaster and the most popular professional football league in the U.S.
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