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NFL Sells Media Businesses to Disney in Exchange for 10% Stake in ESPN
ByAinvest
Wednesday, Aug 6, 2025 7:03 am ET1min read
ESPN is acquiring most of the NFL's media assets in exchange for a 10% stake in ESPN. The deal includes NFL RedZone, the NFL Network, and the right to air more NFL games. This move will give Disney control over the NFL's media presence and further solidify ESPN's position as a leading sports media company.
In a significant media deal, ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, has acquired most of the National Football League's (NFL) media assets in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN. The transaction includes NFL RedZone, the NFL Network, and the right to air additional NFL games. This move will give Disney control over the NFL's media presence and further solidify ESPN's position as a leading sports media company.The deal, announced jointly by the NFL and ESPN on Tuesday, marks a major realignment in sports media. As part of the agreement, NFL Fantasy Football will merge with ESPN Fantasy Football, creating a unified platform for fans. The NFL will retain control of other media properties, including NFL Films and NFL.com [1].
ESPN will revise its NFL broadcast schedule, taking on a larger share of games. While NFL Network will continue airing seven games per season, ESPN’s slate will grow to 28 matchups. The NFL will permit ESPN to distribute NFL RedZone to pay-TV providers [2].
The transaction is subject to approval by federal regulators and the NFL team owners, a process that could take several months. Until then, viewers and fantasy players should not expect any immediate changes to either ESPN or NFL Network’s programming or platforms [1].
The move gives the NFL a minority stake in one of the most powerful sports broadcasters in the US, while ESPN strengthens its football portfolio with full control of NFL Network and RedZone. "Today's announcement paves the way for the world's leading sports media brand and America's most popular sport to deliver an even more compelling experience for NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can," said Robert Iger, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company [2].
ESPN is preparing to launch its direct-to-consumer service, which will cost $29.99 per month and formally debut in the next few weeks. NFL RedZone will likely be a key selling point if the deal goes through. Additionally, ESPN also brought Rich Eisen back to its airwaves starting September 2, and his eponymous show will air on ESPN’s DTC service [3].
The agreement coincides with ESPN's forthcoming direct-to-consumer service, which will now include NFL content. NFL programming will also remain on cable, satellite, and leading streaming providers, the companies said [2].
References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/nfl-acquires-10-stake-in-espn-as-part-of-landmark-media-deal/articleshow/123131005.cms
[2] https://abcnews.go.com/US/espn-acquires-nfl-network-landmark-agreement/story?id=124396057
[3] https://www.on3.com/pro/news/espn-announces-nfl-network-deal-reveals-details-future-redzone-scott-hanson/
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