The NFL and ESPN are on the verge of announcing a significant agreement anticipated to be revealed next week. The arrangement would see a large portion of the NFLโs media properties transition into ESPNโs hands. Individuals with knowledge of the negotiations describe the pact as a multibillion-dollar venture that would afford the NFL an ownership share in ESPN.
These discussions have been ongoing in a rather discreet manner. Sources familiar with the situation have spoken under anonymity, given that the final details of the deal are not yet solidified. Although the precise nature of the agreement has not yet been disclosed to the public, the initial report on this development was made by The Athletic.
Currently, official representatives from both the NFL and ESPN have refrained from issuing public comments regarding this potential partnership.
Efforts to market the NFLโs media assets have been underway for nearly five years. For the last three years, both ESPN and the NFL have engaged in intermittent negotiations, exploring various possibilities of collaboration.
This proposed strategic move coincides with projections that ESPN is on the brink of launching a new direct-to-consumer service, potentially as early as the end of August. This anticipated service aims to cater to cord cutters, offering them access to ESPNโs complete suite of programming and networks at a subscription cost of $29.99 per month. Those currently subscribing to cable, satellite, or certain streaming services could potentially receive this new service bundled with their existing packages.
ESPN stands to gain a variety of benefits from this agreement, including access to the well-regarded RedZone channel, the NFL Network, and seven additional regular-season games. This includes six matches held internationally and a late-season Saturday afternoon game.
In related developments, ESPN recently announced that โThe Rich Eisen Show,โ a popular three-hour program, will begin airing on ESPN Radio. It will also be made available for streaming on platforms like Disney+ and ESPN+. Although Rich Eisen is well-known for his association with the NFL Network, this particular show is not aligned with that channel.
ESPN has had a longstanding relationship with NFL broadcasts, initiating their coverage in 1987 and acquiring broadcasting rights for โMonday Night Footballโ since 2006. The current television contract marks the debut of ESPN hosting the Super Bowl, with events scheduled in 2027 and 2031.
The NFL Network launched in 2003, becoming the second major professional sports league to establish its proprietary channel. Earlier, NBA TV was started in 1999, followed by the MLB Network in 2009, and, in the United States, the NHL Network in 2007.