Total Pro Sports
ESPN has reached a deal to acquire NFL Media this offseason, which would give The Worldwide Leader in Sports complete control over the NFL Network and ‘NFL RedZone.’
The agreement, years in the making, will see a notable shift in football coverage, expand ESPN’s sports footprint, and change the way fans watch the action on Sunday.
The Athletic was the first to report on the deal, which comes to finalization after talks that lasted four years. The outlet is reporting that the deal is worth $2 billion. It will see ‘RedZone’ move to ESPN and likely hand them more exclusive games.
“BREAKING: The NFL and ESPN have struck a deal giving the league equity in ESPN, potentially worth billions, in exchange for rights to key media properties, sources tell
@AndrewMarchand,” the outlet shared on Friday afternoon.
“ESPN is expected to get access to RedZone, NFL Network and more.”
This comes at the perfect time for ESPN, with the network set to launch a streaming platform, ESPN Unlimited, which could bundle NFL Network and ‘NFL RedZone’ into its $30 package.
While this comes across as great news to fans who already own subscriptions to various ESPN or Disney services, there are concerns over potential changes to the show’s commercial-free format, while some are worried about ESPN personalities like Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee having an influence.
On a brighter note, longtime host and fan favorite Scott Hanson recently renewed his deal with the Network.
ESPN already has a sizable NFL portfolio, with the network already hosting ‘Monday Night Football,’ while it will air the Super Bowl in 2027.
Their involvement in football coverage is about to become significantly deeper.
