ESPN has finalized its acquisition of NFL Network and other key media assets from the NFL, in exchange for granting the league a 10% equity stake in the sports network.
In a joint statement, the NFL and ESPN announced: “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.”
Under the terms of the deal, ESPN now owns and operates the linear NFL Network, holds the rights to distribute the RedZone Channel to cable and satellite providers, and has taken over NFL Fantasy operations (with plans to merge them into ESPN's platform). The NFL retains full ownership and control of NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, the NFL Podcast Network, its FAST channel, the official websites for its 32 teams, and continues to produce and distribute NFL RedZone digitally.
The agreement also includes licensing arrangements that provide ESPN with ongoing access to the league's content and intellectual property.
Prior to the transaction, The Walt Disney Company held an 80% stake in ESPN, with Hearst owning the remaining 20%. Following the deal, the NFL's 10% stake adjusts the ownership structure accordingly.
The Athletic first reported the regulatory approval from government authorities, including the U.S. Department of Justice and relevant non-U.S. antitrust bodies. The partnership was initially announced in August 2025, with NFL owners approving it in October 2025. The deal closed on Sundat=t, Integration of staff is expected to begin soon, with fuller effects rolling out in the coming months and ahead of the next NFL season.
The transaction, first announced in August 2025 and pending antitrust reviews by the Justice Department and other authorities, allows ESPN to significantly expand its NFL programming. ESPN will now broadcast 28 regular-season games per season (including NFL Network's seven), up from its previous 25. The longstanding "Monday Night Football" doubleheaders will end, with four games shifting to NFL Network. The league is expected to sell those four reclaimed games, potentially to a streaming service.
ESPN can use the RedZone name for potential similar offerings in other sports, though limitations exist due to varying rights ownership (e.g., not all college football games). The NFL retains control of NFL+, NFL.com, RedZone production, and its digital rights sales.
Changes will roll out gradually: NFL employees begin integrating into ESPN in the coming months, with full effects likely starting in April. NFL Network will join ESPN's family of networks (including ESPN2, SEC Network, and ACC Network) and become accessible via ESPN's direct-to-consumer service (currently $29.99/month) at the start of the next regular season in the fall. Subscribers with ESPN Unlimited or through cable providers will gain full NFL Network access at no extra cost.
Super Bowl coverage next week remains unchanged, but over time, ESPN and NFL Network programming will become more intertwined, building on their already extensive league coverage.
The Athletic reports insiders like ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport may eventually appear across both networks.
The deal strengthens ties between the league and ESPN ahead of future media rights negotiations. The NFL's current 11-year broadcast and streaming deals (worth over $110 billion) include opt-outs at the end of the decade, amid rising competition from Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, and others. The NFL's stake in ESPN could incentivize longer-term partnership.
NFL Network launched in 2003, with RedZone following in 2009. The agreement positions ESPN to enhance its direct-to-consumer platform and deliver expanded, innovative coverage of America's most popular sport.