The National Football League (NFL) has been working to secure federal approval for its deal with ESPN, which includes a 10% ownership stake in the sports media giant. The agreement is “non-binding” because it was not submitted to Congress for review. In an effort to gain clearance, the NFL has reached out to 30 congressional offices and discussed the terms of the deal, touting it as a means to increase consumer choice.
However, critics argue that the arrangement could lead to higher costs for consumers, as Disney’s dominance in sports media may limit options and drive up prices. Attorney Andre P. Barlow expressed concerns that the NFL is essentially competing with its broadcast partners, including ABC and NBC, by owning a stake in ESPN.
One possible solution to this issue could be for the league to share equity with other broadcasting companies, such as Fox, Amazon, Netflix, or Comcast. This would help reduce competition and increase options for consumers. The outcome of the federal review process remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the NFL’s future deal with ESPN will have significant implications for the sports media landscape.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nfl-begins-lobbying-congress-on-espn-deal