NFL confirms suspicion about ESPN in major move that could completely reshape sports media landscape originally appeared on A to Z Sports.
ESPN and the National Football League have made it official.
The two announced a non-binding agreement where ESPN is acquiring the NFL Network and certain other media assets owned and controlled by the NFL. That includes RedZone and NFL Fantasy. In exchange, the NFL will receive a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
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The NFL Network announced the news on their official social media page.
“The ESPN/NFL deal combines America’s most popular sporting league and the world’s most innovative sports media leader,” the post read. “ESPN will own and operate NFL Network providing fans enhanced access to 24/7 coverage of the sport they love.
“The NFL will continue to own and produce NFL RedZone and distribute it digitally through NFL+. ESPN will now distribute NFL RedZone on traditional television,” they added. “NFL Fantasy Football will merge with ESPN Fantasy Football, creating a best-in-class product for fans everywhere.”
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All parties also released a statement.
“Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love. Whether it was debuting Thursday Night Football televising the combine, or telling incredible football stories through original shows and breaking news, NFL Network had delivered. The Network’s sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative,” he said.
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““Today’s announcement paves the way for the world’s leading sports media brand and America’s most popular sport to deliver an even more compelling experience for NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can,” chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company Robert A. Iger said. “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.”
“This is an exciting day for sports fans,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, chairman said. “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. This deal helps fuel ESPN’s digital future, laying the foundation for an even more robust offering as we prepare to launch our new direct-to-consumer service
This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.