ESPN has reached a groundbreaking agreement with the National Football League to acquire the NFL Network, NFL Fantasy, and distribution rights for NFL RedZone in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
The nonbinding agreement, which is still subject to regulatory approvals and a vote by NFL team owners, transforms ESPN from a licensee into a strategic business partner, while providing the league a minority stake in one of the most influential sports media brands in the world, according to a joint release from the two sides.
Under the agreement, ESPN will fully own and operate NFL Network, integrating it into its forthcoming direct‑to‑consumer streaming service, while continuing traditional cable and satellite distribution.
ESPN also acquired NFL Fantasy Football in this deal, merging it with its own platform to become the league’s official fantasy offering.
The network will gain broad rights to distribute the NFL RedZone channel to pay TV operators, though the NFL will continue producing and retaining digital distribution rights for RedZone.
The deal also shifts several game rights.
ESPN platforms will license three additional NFL regular‑season games per year to bring its total to 28, while the NFL Network will continue to air seven games per season in a schedule that was not fully announced at the time of the press release.
Robert A. Iger, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, said in the joint release that this deal “paves the way for the world’s leading sports media brand and America’s most popular sport to deliver an even more compelling experience for NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can.”
“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.”
Meanwhile, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell applauded the NFL Network in the release and said it has “provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love.”
“Whether it was debuting Thursday Night Football, televising the Combine, or telling incredible football stories through original shows and breaking news, NFL Network has delivered. The network’s sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.”