ESPN Acquires The NFL Network & Other Media Assets

ESPN has penned a deal to acquire The NFL Network and other league-owned media assets. In return, the league will secure a stake in the sports media company.

A Game-Changing Deal

In its official announcement, ESPN announced that, in addition to acquiring the NFL Network, it has also secured the linear rights to the league’s RedZone channel and NFL Fantasy. The transaction, which was confirmed Tuesday night, will see the NFL secure a 10% equity stake in ESPN.

ESPN said that NFL Fantasy will be incorporated into its existing platform, turning ESPN Fantasy Football into the official NFL fantasy product. A separate deal saw the NFL agree to license other NFL content and intellectual property to the NFL, allowing it to appear on the ESPN-owned NFL Network.

As the custodian of The NFL Network, ESPN will control its linear and digital rights and will integrate the network into its upcoming direct-to-customer streaming products. At the same time, the network will remain available on traditional pay TV providers.

Additionally, ESPN platforms will license three additional NFL games per season, bringing the total to 28. All games owned by the media giant will continue to air on linear and ESPN’s direct-to-customer platform. The NFL Network, on the other hand, will continue to broadcast seven games per season, with some schedule changes.

At the same time, ESPN will own broad rights to RedZone, although the NFL will continue to own and manage the channel and will keep digital distribution rights. The league will likewise retain its NFL Films and NFL.com media businesses.

The Deal Will Create New Ways to Connect with the Sport

ESPN’s chair, Jimmy Pitaro, said that the deal was a game-changer that will redefine how fans engage with football. He said that the combination of ESPN’s media expertise with the NFL’s media assets, the two parties will create a “premier destination for football fans.”

This deal helps fuel ESPN’s digital future, laying the foundation for an even more robust offering as we prepare to launch our new direct-to-consumer service.

Jimmy Pitaro, chair, ESPN

The excitement was echoed by Robert Iger, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, which owns ESPN. Iger said that the latest agreement will empower ESPN, allowing it to deliver an even more compelling experience to football fans.

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.

Robert Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was likewise pleased, saying that the sale of The NFL Network will build on its remarkable legacy, providing new ways for fans to engage with their favorite sport.