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On August 5, ESPN, the Disney-owned sports media giant, announced it is buying the NFL Network and NFL Media. In return, the National Football League will get a 10% ownership share in ESPN.
As per the report, NFL Network will remain on regular cable TV and will also be added to ESPN’s new streaming service. Additionally, ESPN will handle the NFL Network’s TV and digital operations.
According to the press statement released by ESPN:
"ESPN will also acquire the NFL's fantasy product and merge it into its existing platform, making ESPN Fantasy Football the official game of the NFL."
The two companies have also signed a separate contract allowing ESPN to use more National Football League content and rights. While ESPN gets TV rights, which include the cable distribution and trademark, RedZone will remain under the National Football League’s control and stream on NFL+.
According to the National Football League, the deal still needs the green light from team owners and federal regulators.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks on new ESPN deal involving NFL Network
Speaking of the new deal, National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement released to the press,
"Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love"
Continuing his statement, he said:
"The Network's sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways."
Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, added:
"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."
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro also issued a statement saying:
"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."
Robert K. Kraft, the chairman of the league's media committee, also expressed his joy by calling ESPN their best partners:
"This is a way for us to broaden our audience. We've done so much. I don't think there's any company like Disney and ESPN in doing sports, all sports. We need to expose our product to more people and a greater variety of people. We're hooking up with the strongest sports amalgamation of sports product."
According to the new deal, ESPN will air 28 National Football League games each season, including 3 extra games, while the Network will continue to show 7. However, the schedule has not been disclosed as of now. Additionally, NFL Films, NFL.com, and other media units will remain under the NFL's control.
Fans of NFL Network have shown mixed reactions to the deal, with some welcoming the broader access through ESPN, while others worry about changes to the channel’s identity and coverage.
ESPN and the National Football League have yet to reveal how exactly the changes will roll out. As of now, no big changes are expected on ESPN or NFL Network until the deal is finalized.
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