ESPN acquires NFL Network and RedZone rights in historic deal

ESPN announced Tuesday the acquisition of NFL Network and the linear rights to the RedZone channel, in a strategic agreement that grants the National Football League (NFL) a 10% stake in the sports network. This move makes ESPN the owner and operator of NFL Network , in addition to its linear and digital rights, with the intention of integrating these assets into its upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming platform, scheduled to launch in early fall.

The deal also includes the purchase of the NFL 's fantasy product, which will be merged with the ESPN Fantasy Football platform, consolidating it as the official game of the league. The NFL , for its part, will continue to own and operate some of its media, such as NFL Films and NFL.com , and will maintain the digital distribution rights to RedZone , although ESPN will have control of the overall rights and trademark of the channel.

Jimmy Pitaro , president of ESPN , highlighted that this alliance between ESPN and the NFL will create a first-class destination for American football fans. "We are redefining the way fans interact with the sport, anytime, anywhere," he said in a statement. For his part, Robert A. Iger , CEO of The Walt Disney Company , owner of ESPN , highlighted that this transaction will expand the offering to consumers and strengthen Disney 's streaming ecosystem, providing greater convenience and quality to viewers.

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As part of the agreement, ESPN will broadcast a total of 28 NFL games per season, including three additional games on its platforms, while NFL Network will continue to broadcast seven games per season. Some games previously broadcast on ESPN will be moved to NFL Network . All games will be available both linearly and on ESPN 's direct-to-consumer platform.

NFL Network will continue to be available on traditional pay-TV providers and will be integrated into ESPN 's new streaming service, which will cost $ 29.99 per month and offer access to seven national linear ESPN networks, plus ESPN on ABC and other digital options.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised NFL Network 's legacy since its launch in 2003, highlighting its role in providing exclusive coverage of American football. With this sale, he asserted, that legacy will be strengthened and more NFL content will be offered to fans through innovative new ways.

This agreement marks an important step in the convergence of sports and digital media, positioning ESPN as the leading destination for professional American football in the United States.