(WFRV) – ESPN and the NFL have announced a groundbreaking agreement under which ESPN will acquire NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and NFL Fantasy in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
According to a press release from the NFL, the deal is expected to reshape the way fans access football content across platforms.
The agreement also includes plans to integrate NFL Network into ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service, expanding accessibility for fans. Additionally, the NFL will license games, RedZone content, and NFL Films programming to ESPN.
Packers’ Nate Hobbs out after right knee surgery for torn meniscus
ESPN Fantasy Football and NFL Fantasy will merge, creating a unified fantasy football experience for fans globally. ESPN will also gain distribution rights to RedZone for traditional pay-TV packages.
“This paves the way for ESPN and Disney to deliver a more compelling experience for NFL fans,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell added the move will help “provide more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.”
The NFL will retain ownership of other media assets including NFL+, NFL Films, and the official websites of all 32 NFL teams.
The deal remains subject to final agreements and NFL owner approval.
