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ESPN Now Owns NFL Network, NFL Gets 10% Stake
1 Feb
Summary
- ESPN acquired NFL Network and other NFL Media assets.
- NFL will hold a 10 percent ownership stake in ESPN.
- ESPN will broadcast 28 games, its most ever, starting fall.
Government regulators have approved and finalized ESPN's acquisition of NFL Media assets, a deal valued in the billions. As part of the agreement, the NFL will receive a 10 percent ownership stake in ESPN.
ESPN will now operate the NFL Network, merge NFL's fantasy football product with its own, and secure linear rights for the RedZone Channel. This transition means the NFL and ESPN will discontinue 'Monday Night Football' doubleheaders, with four games moving to NFL Network.
Starting in the fall, ESPN is set to broadcast 28 games per season, an increase from its previous 25. NFL Network will retain three of its existing games. Anyone with ESPN Unlimited will gain full access to NFL Network at its current $29.99 monthly price, starting this fall.
NFL employees will officially join ESPN in April, though visible changes to NFL Network are not expected until the start of the next regular season. This complex deal, negotiated over several years, positions ESPN to enhance its direct-to-consumer platform ahead of its first Super Bowl broadcast in February 2027.
