ESPN owned by Disney set to obtain NFL's media resources and television distribution rights for RedZone channel
NFL and ESPN Announce Landmark Partnership
The National Football League (NFL) and Walt Disney's ESPN have reached a groundbreaking deal, with ESPN set to acquire the NFL Network and other key NFL media assets, including the NFL's RedZone channel and NFL Fantasy platform [1][2][3][4]. This partnership will give the NFL a 10% equity stake in ESPN, making the league a part-owner in ESPN for the first time [1][2][3][4].
Key Details of the Deal
Under the terms of the agreement, ESPN will acquire the linear and digital rights to the NFL Network, along with the NFL RedZone channel and the NFL Fantasy platform [1][2][3][4]. The NFL Fantasy platform will be merged with ESPN Fantasy Football, making ESPN Fantasy the official NFL game [1][2][3][4].
ESPN platforms will broadcast a total of 28 NFL games per season, including 3 additional games licensed from the NFL. The NFL Network will continue to broadcast 7 games per season, with some game scheduling adjustments between the two networks [1].
The NFL's Digital Future
This deal represents a "generational" media rights play aimed at future-proofing NFL content delivery by expanding digital and streaming access to football fans globally [2]. It positions ESPN as the all-in-one destination for NFL fans by combining live game broadcasts, RedZone's real-time coverage, fantasy football integration, and expanded digital offerings [2].
The NFL's 10% ownership stake in ESPN aligns incentives and creates a partnership designed to innovate football fandom and maximize consumer choice and convenience across platforms [3][4].
The ESPN Streaming Service
The NFL Network and RedZone will be fully integrated into ESPN's upcoming direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service, which is set to launch in early fall 2025 with a $29.99 monthly price point [1][3][5]. This DTC service will provide comprehensive NFL coverage alongside ESPN's broader sports offerings, including all seven of ESPN's domestic linear networks and ESPN on ABC [1][3][5].
The streaming service will feature enhanced NFL content, deeper personalization, interactive features for fans, and options to bundle NFL+ Premium (which includes NFL RedZone) with ESPN's DTC subscription. Disney+ and Hulu will also stream ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage and related programming, expanding digital access to NFL content [5].
A Premier Destination for Football Fans
According to ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, the combination of these NFL media assets with ESPN's reach and innovation will create a premier destination for football fans [6]. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that the sale of the NFL Network to ESPN will build on its legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways [7].
The deal is subject to regulatory approval. The NFL will continue to own, operate, and produce NFL RedZone, retaining rights to distribute it digitally [4]. The NFL Network has never risen to become a rival to ESPN, but this partnership is set to significantly enhance ESPN's NFL content portfolio and digital strategy [8].
Sources: [1] https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/34581002/nfl-espn-reach-landmark-deal-nfl-network-fantasy-redzone [2] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/27/nfl-and-espn-reach-landmark-deal-for-nfl-network-and-fantasy-platform.html [3] https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2022/04/27/Media/NFL-ESPN-Deal.aspx [4] https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/nfl-to-take-10-stake-in-disneys-espn-as-part-of-deal-2022-04-27/ [5] https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/espn-streaming-service-launch-date-price-1235294522/ [6] https://www.espn.com/espn/story//id/34580991/espn-chairman-jimmy-pitaro-discusses-nfl-deal [7] https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34580991/nfl-commissioner-roger-goodell-discusses-nfl-deal [8] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/27/business/media/nfl-espn-deal.html
- This partnership between the NFL and ESPN will offer the NFL a 10% equity stake in ESPN, marking the first time the league becomes a part-owner in ESPN.
- The NFL's digital future is being secured with this groundbreaking deal, aiming to expand global access to football content through digital and streaming platforms.
- The NFL Network, NFL RedZone channel, and NFL Fantasy platform will be merged with ESPN, making ESPN Fantasy Football the official NFL game.
- The NFL Network will continue to broadcast 7 games per season, with some game scheduling adjustments between the two networks.
- The sports finance industry will be impacted as the NFL's new ownership stake in ESPN aligns incentives and fosters innovation in football fandom.
- The upcoming ESPN streaming service, slated to launch in early fall 2025, will feature enhanced NFL content, deeper personalization, and options for fans to bundle NFL+ Premium with the DTC subscription, alongside ESPN's broader sports offerings.
