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ESPN acquires NFL Network in landmark equity deal

NORAL PARHAM
NORAL PARHAM
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.

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ESPN will acquire NFL Network and related media assets — including NFL RedZone and NFL Fantasy — in exchange for granting the National Football League a 10% equity stake in ESPN.

The transformative agreement, announced on Aug. 5, aims to consolidate football media under ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer service while expanding fan access.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell noted the legacy of the NFL Network over the last 22 years.

“Its sale to ESPN builds on our remarkable history, providing more football in innovative ways,” Goodell said.  

Indianapolis Colts vs the Cincinnati Bengals football game
CINCINNATI, OH- DECEMBER 10: Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) celebrates his touchdown during a NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals on December 10, 2023 at Paycor Stadium in, Cincinnati , OH . (Photo/Jeff Brown)

Under the pending deal, ESPN will acquire NFL Network’s linear and digital operations and integrate them fully into ESPN’s standalone streaming platform, which will launch Aug. 21. NFL RedZone will join Disney’s linear network portfolio for traditional TV distribution, while ESPN Fantasy Football and NFL Fantasy will merge into a unified, league-sanctioned product.  

ESPN also secures rights to three additional NFL games annually for NFL Network, adjusting its overall schedule to include four shifted matchups. The network will continue airing seven games per season.  

Chief Executive Officer of Disney Bob Iger emphasized consumer benefits.

“This paves the way for more compelling experiences only ESPN and Disney can deliver — increasing choice, convenience and streaming value,” Iger said.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 10: Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) reacts after his big run during a NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and the Indianapolis Colts on November 10, 2024 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Jeff Brown/Indianapolis Recorder)

The acquisition positions ESPN’s streaming service as football’s central hub. NFL Network content will remain accessible via cable/satellite while flowing into ESPN’s digital ecosystem.

The NFL retains ownership of NFL Films, NFL+, team sites and digital rights for RedZone.  

The transaction requires final approvals from NFL team owners and definitive agreements. If ratified, it will reshape football media ahead of ESPN’s DTC launch.  

Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook or TikTok @Horsemensportsmedia. For more sports, click here.

Senior Sports Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Noral Parham III.
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Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.

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