ESPN is acquiring the NFL Network and other National Football League media assets in a deal worth around $1 billion. As part of the agreement, ESPN will own 10% equity in the all-sports network, while the NFL will retain some control over its operations.
The acquisition includes the linear rights to the popular RedZone channel, which will be added to ESPN’s existing platform. The NFL Network will also integrate into ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, allowing fans to access a wider range of content anytime and anywhere.
ESPN will gain the right to license three additional NFL games per season, bringing its total to 28, while the NFL Network will show seven games per season. Some games may be moved from ESPN’s original schedule to the NFL Network.
The deal also includes licensing agreements for other NFL content and intellectual property, which will appear on the NFL Network and other assets.
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement that combining the NFL media assets with his network would create “a premier destination for football fans.” The deal is expected to help fuel ESPN’s digital future and lay the foundation for an even more robust offering as it launches its new direct-to-consumer service this fall.
Source: https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/45910378/espn-get-nfl-network-rights-redzone-nfl-equity-stake