NFL Transfers NFL Network and Other Media Properties for a 10% Equity in ESPN
ESPN Secures NFL Media Assets in Major Deal
In a significant move for the sports media landscape, ESPN has agreed to acquire the NFL Network and a suite of key NFL media assets, including the linear RedZone channel and NFL Fantasy, in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN granted to the NFL [1][3][4][5]. This deal, announced in early August 2025, marks a strategic partnership between the two entities aimed at growing the audience and revenue for NFL content across platforms.
The acquisition of NFL Network will enable ESPN to fully own and operate the network, integrating it into its upcoming direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service. The RedZone channel, a popular destination for football fans, will be merged with ESPN Fantasy Football to create an enhanced, official NFL fantasy product [1][4][5].
Beyond the acquisition, the NFL has licensed additional content, games (three more per season for ESPN for a total of 28 games), and intellectual property to ESPN. Some games currently on ESPN’s schedule will shift to NFL Network, with all ESPN-owned games available both on linear TV and ESPN's DTC platform [3][5].
ESPN's DTC platform will launch with around 25 million subscribers, including current ESPN+ members migrated automatically. The service offers an $11.99 per month unlimited tier and a bundled 12-month option combining ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu at a competitive price [2]. The integration of NFL Network will enhance live and on-demand NFL programming, meeting growing consumer demand for personalized and flexible viewing options [2][4][5].
The deal strengthens ESPN’s negotiating power with cable providers, potentially increasing affiliate fees, while expanding consumer choice and reinforcing Disney’s value proposition across sports and entertainment streaming [2]. This move helps ESPN maintain leadership in the increasingly crowded sports streaming marketplace, competing with services like Amazon Prime Video and Peacock, by offering exclusive NFL content and innovative user experiences [2].
Other notable aspects of the deal include a multiyear extension of ESPN's rights to the NFL draft, starting from 2026, with Disney+ and Hulu streaming ESPN, ABC, and ESPN Deportes' trio of draft presentations [6]. ESPN's DTC service will also stream select out-of-market NFL preseason games during the 2025 and 2026 seasons [6].
The deal also includes a non-binding agreement for the NFL to license certain NFL content and intellectual property to ESPN, with the potential for further agreements in the future [7]. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but CNBC estimated the stake in ESPN could be worth $2 billion to $3 billion [8].
Disney CEO Bob Iger has expressed excitement about the partnership between ESPN and the NFL, stating that it represents a major realignment of NFL media rights and content distribution, boosting ESPN’s streaming platform with premium NFL assets as it launches a robust direct-to-consumer app aimed at broadening reach and engagement in sports media [1][2][3][4][5]. Commissioner Roger Goodell has stated that the sale of NFL Network to ESPN will build on its remarkable legacy.
[1] The New York Times [2] Variety [3] Deadline [4] Sports Business Journal [5] The Hollywood Reporter [6] Sports Illustrated [7] CNN Business [8] CNBC
- ESPN's DTC streaming service will include the NFL Network, offering enhanced, official NFL fantasy content and personalized viewing options.
- The acquisition of NFL media assets by ESPN is expected to increase affiliate fees with cable providers, reinforcing Disney's value proposition across sports and entertainment streaming.
- The strategic partnership between ESPN and the NFL aims to grow the audience and revenue for NFL content across various platforms, including television and streaming media.
- Despite the financial terms not being disclosed, CNBC estimates the stake in ESPN granted to the NFL could be worth $2 billion to $3 billion.
- The integration of NFL content, games, and intellectual property into ESPN's portfolio will help the sports media company maintain leadership in the competitive sports streaming market.
- The deal between ESPN and the NFL includes a non-binding agreement for further licensing of NFL content and intellectual property in the future.
