NFL purchases a 10% share of ESPN, and in turn, ESPN acquires ownership of the NFL Network and RedZone.
The Walt Disney Company and the National Football League (NFL) have announced a landmark deal that will see ESPN acquiring the NFL Network and other NFL media assets. This move will provide a more compelling experience for NFL fans and broaden the NFL's audience, as stated by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, chairman of the NFL's media committee.
The deal, which is subject to approval from federal regulators, will give ESPN broad ownership and distribution rights over NFL RedZone and the NFL Network. These assets will be integrated into ESPN’s forthcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service while continuing on traditional pay TV platforms.
Impact on NFL Fantasy Football
The NFL's fantasy football product will merge with ESPN’s existing fantasy platform, making ESPN Fantasy Football the official fantasy game of the NFL. This unified platform aims to enhance the digital fan experience and extend the NFL’s global reach in fantasy sports.
NFL RedZone Distribution
ESPN will own the rights to the RedZone brand and distribute the NFL RedZone channel to pay-TV providers, ensuring its continued inclusion in their sports packages. However, the NFL will retain control over RedZone's programming and operations, at least initially, meaning ESPN cannot add new programming or commercials before or during the Sunday RedZone broadcasts.
Changes to Telecast Schedules
ESPN’s NFL slate will increase from 25 to 28 games per season, adding three games to its lineup. Meanwhile, the NFL Network will continue to air seven games per season, primarily international contests, but these will now be operated by ESPN instead of the NFL. Some games will shift between ESPN and NFL Network, but precise scheduling details and broadcasters have yet to be finalized. For the 2025 NFL season, there will be no changes as the deal awaits approval.
Global Growth Opportunities
The deal is designed to expand the NFL’s global footprint by combining ESPN's innovation and reach with NFL media assets. The merged fantasy platform and broader distribution of NFL content through ESPN’s streaming services and traditional TV channels aim to meet growing worldwide demand for NFL football.
In summary, this deal unifies key NFL media assets under ESPN, expands game broadcasts on ESPN, consolidates fantasy football platforms, preserves RedZone’s popular format under NFL control but broadens distribution, and sets a foundation for further digital and global growth of the NFL’s brand and content.
The NFL team owners must also approve the deal, but it is seen as little more than a formality. Kraft referred to the deal as a way to broaden the NFL's audience, stating that Disney and ESPN are the strongest sports amalgamation of sports products. The deal aims to provide for broader global reach and expose the NFL's product to more people and a greater variety of people.
- The deal between The Walt Disney Company and the NFL will allow ESPN to own and distribute NFL RedZone and the NFL Network, increasing their footprint in the sports industry.
- The unification of the NFL's fantasy football product with ESPN’s fantasy platform aims to enhance the digital fan experience and extend the NFL’s global reach in fantasy sports.
- As a result of the deal, ESPN's NFL slate will expand, with an increase from 25 to 28 games per season, while the NFL Network will continue to air international games, now operated by ESPN.
- The merger of Disney, ESPN, and the NFL's media assets is seen as a strategic move to broaden the NFL's audience and expose its product to a greater variety of people, particularly globally.
