The National Football League (NFL) and ESPN are seeking federal regulatory approval for a massive media deal, which could have significant implications if President Trump decides to intervene. Under the agreement, ESPN will gain control of multiple NFL Media assets, while the NFL will receive up to 10 percent of ESPN’s equity.
The deal requires approval from the Department of Justice, and with President Trump at the helm, it’s unclear whether he will allow the proposal to move forward without significant input. In the past, Trump has clashed with the NFL and ESPN over various issues, including a recent demand that the Washington Commanders change their name back to its 2020 incarnation.
The media deal comes on the heels of other high-profile disputes between Trump and the entertainment industry, including a $15 million defamation settlement against ESPN’s sister company ABC. A similar case involving CBS parent company Paramount, Disney, and Skydance also received final regulatory approval after settling for $16 million.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/espn-nfl-need-trump-administration-to-approve-massive-media-deal