ESPN to acquire NFL Network in landmark agreement

[ad_1] ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Firm, introduced on Tuesday that it'll formally purchase the Nationwide Soccer League (NFL) Community in a landmark settlement.

The deal -- which supplies the NFL a ten% fairness stake in ESPN -- consists of the NFL's linear RedZone Channel and NFL Fantasy.

The settlement between the sports activities media big and the NFL goals to "set a brand new customary for the way skilled soccer is delivered, skilled and celebrated by followers," the businesses stated in a press launch concerning the deal.

A element of the NFL Community brand on a shirt in the course of the Huge 12 NFL Professional Day at Ford Middle at The Star on March 19, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. (Picture by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Photos)

Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Photos

"At present's announcement paves the best way for the world's main sports activities media model and America's hottest sport to ship an much more compelling expertise for NFL followers, in a approach that solely ESPN and Disney can," stated Robert A. Iger, chief government officer of The Walt Disney Firm.

"Commissioner Goodell and the NFL have constructed excellent media property, and these transactions will add to client selection, present viewers with even higher comfort and high quality, and develop the breadth and worth proposition of Disney's streaming ecosystem," Iger added.

The settlement coincides with ESPN's forthcoming direct-to-consumer service, in keeping with the discharge, which is able to now embody NFL content material. NFL programming may also stay on cable, satellite tv for pc and main streaming suppliers, the businesses stated.

In whole, ESPN's platforms will license a further three NFL video games per season to air on NFL Community on account of the settlement, in keeping with the businesses.

An in depth view of an ESPN television digital camera in the course of the recreation between the Boston Crimson Sox and Philadelphia Phillies at Residents Financial institution Park on July 23, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Crimson Sox defeated the Phillies 9-8 in additional innings. (Picture by Mitchell Leff/Getty Photos)

Mitchell Leff/Getty Photos

NFL Fantasy Soccer may also merge with ESPN Fantasy Soccer, creating the official Fantasy season-long recreation of the NFL.

"Since its launch in 2003, NFL Community has offered tens of millions of followers unprecedented entry to the game they love," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated within the launch. "Whether or not it was debuting Thursday Evening Soccer, televising the Mix, or telling unimaginable soccer tales by authentic reveals and breaking information, NFL Community has delivered. The Community's sale to ESPN will construct on this exceptional legacy, offering extra NFL soccer for extra followers in new and modern methods."

The agreements are non-binding and the transactions are topic to the events' negotiation and numerous approvals, together with by the NFL crew house owners, in keeping with the discharge.

"That is an thrilling day for sports activities followers," stated Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN. "By combining these NFL media property with ESPN's attain and innovation, we're making a premier vacation spot for soccer followers."