The NFL and ESPN have closed a deal that will see the NFL Network and other league media assets controlled by the Disney sports division.
In exchange for its assets, the NFL is taking a 10% stake in ESPN. Hearst retains the 20% position in the sports operation it has had since 1990.
“The NFL and ESPN are pleased to announce the official closing of the sale of NFL Network and other NFL Media assets to ESPN,” the league and ESPN said in a joint statement provided to Deadline. “With the closing, we will begin integrating NFL employees into ESPN in the months ahead. As we look to the future, NFL fans can look forward to expanded NFL programming, greater access to NFL Network, innovative fantasy experiences and unparalleled coverage of America’s most popular sport.”
The Athletic had the first report of the regulatory approval on Saturday night.
The transaction was announced last August as uncertainty was increasing about the regulatory approval process in the media business. (Paramount and Skydance were about to finalize their merger after a long odyssey, and eight-figure payouts by Disney, Paramount and other companies to settle lawsuits by the Trump Administration were raising the specter of appeasement.)
Viewers and subscribers won’t notice any changes between now and April, which is when the agreement is due to take full effect. Over the course of 2026, NFL Network will be integrated into ESPN’s stand-alone streaming service. NFL’s RedZone will be distributed by ESPN to pay-TV providers starting with the 2026 season, and will continue to be available as a direct-to-consumer offering through the premium tier of NFL+.
An unspecified number of NFL employees, including on-air talent, will become ESPN employees starting in April.