The National Football League (NFL) is on the verge of selling its significant media assets to ESPN in exchange for an equity stake in the sports network. According to AP sources, a multibillion-dollar deal could be finalized next week, giving the NFL ownership in ESPN.
The proposed move comes as ESPN prepares to launch its direct-to-consumer service, which would provide cord cutters with access to all of ESPN’s programs and networks for $29.99 per month. The NFL Network and RedZone channel would also become part of ESPN’s offerings.
This deal marks the latest development in the NFL’s efforts to sell off its media properties, a process that has been ongoing for nearly five years. ESPN and the league have been engaged in talks for the past three years.
The agreement would grant ESPN access to seven regular-season games, including six international contests and a Saturday afternoon late-season game. The deal also involves Rich Eisen’s “The Rich Eisen Show” airing on ESPN Radio and streaming on Disney+ and ESPN+.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/nfl-media-nfl-network-espn-7651546c42276b8691fb4ba522c75892