NEW YORK — Under a non-binding agreement announced Tuesday, Bristol, Connecticut-based ESPN will acquire NFL Network and certain other media assets owned and controlled by the NFL in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
The Disney-owned sports network also will take over NFL’s linear RedZone Channel, and NFL Fantasy. In addition to the sale of NFL Network, the NFL and ESPN are also entering into a second non-binding agreement, under which the NFL will license to ESPN certain NFL content and other intellectual property to be used by NFL Network and other assets.
“Today’s announcement 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,” said Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “(NFL) Commissioner (Roger) 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.”
Goodell believes the NFL Network’s sale to ESPN will build on the legacy of the network.
“Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love,” said Goodell. “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.”
For ESPN, which is opting of out its MLB package at the end of this season, the NFL deal allows the 46-year-old sports network to lay the groundwork for its digital future, according to ESPN Chair Jimmy Pitaro.
“This is an exciting day for sports fans,” Pitaro said. “By combining these NFL media assets with ESPN’s reach and innovation, we’re creating a premier destination for football fans. Together, ESPN and the NFL are redefining how fans engage with the game — anytime, anywhere. 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.”
ESPN intends to deploy its resources and expertise in the development of NFL Network, distribution of the RedZone Channel and fantasy, to expand audience reach, increase accessibility and flexibility for consumers, drive innovation, and offer even more high-quality content to fans at highly competitive prices.
As a result of this sale, NFL programming will be available on more platforms than ever before, including ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer service, while remaining on cable, satellite and leading streaming providers.
Under the terms of these agreements, the NFL will continue to own and operate its retained media businesses including properties such as NFL Films and key fan-facing platforms such as NFL+, NFL.com, the NFL Podcast Network, the NFL FAST Channel and the official sites for the league’s 32 clubs. It will also continue to own, operate, and produce NFL RedZone, and retain the rights to distribute NFL RedZone digitally.
The transactions are subject to the parties’ negotiation of definitive agreements, various approvals including by the NFL team owners, and customary closing conditions.
ESPN and WWE rights
ESPN and WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. of Stamford, announced a landmark rights agreement as ESPN platforms, including the new ESPN direct-to-consumer streaming service, will become the exclusive U.S. domestic home of all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs), including the two-night cultural phenomenon WrestleMania, starting in 2026.
This deal makes ESPN home to the highest-profile WWE events of the year.
