ESPN and the NFL have agreed to terms on a groundbreaking deal. Find out what it means for the media landscape and the NFL’s media properties, including NFL Network and RedZone.
ESPN, NFL Reach Agreement On Media Deal
🚨NEWS: ESPN and NFL have agreed to a blockbuster billion dollar deal that will result in top media properties, like RedZone, moving to the network, The Athletic has learned.
An official announcement is expected next week.https://t.co/KKVGlDBvgZ
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) August 1, 2025
According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, ESPN and the NFL have reached an agreement on a deal where the Worldside Leader in Sports will acquire many of the league’s media properties in exchange for equity in ESPN.
Marchand suggests the deal is worth “billions.”
An official announcement is expected next week. Disney has an earnings call next Wednesday, so this deal with the NFL will likely be one of the topics of conversation.
Last week, Marchand reported that ESPN and the NFL were “closing in” on a deal after four years of back-and-forth discussions.
What NFL assets go to ESPN in the deal, and how much equity will the NFL receive? Those are the two biggest questions that must be answered.
The former — the media assests going to ESPN — is easier to answer. ESPN will likely have access to the NFL Network and RedZone, two of NFL Media’s most attractive properties.
ESPN is also expected to have access to seven more regular-season games that air on NFL Network, the league’s fantasy football business, betting features, and more.
In return, the NFL may receive up to 10% equity in ESPN.
Why Would ESPN Do This Deal?
I think RedZone will almost definitely be presented the same way it is now
It becomes another big carrot for the new app and ESPN will use it in carriage agreements with distributors.
Meanwhile, the NFL is the most programming in entertainment and the league gets paid like it
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) August 1, 2025
Why would Disney do a deal of this magnitude at this time?
The timing is the key aspect of this deal. This fall, ESPN will launch its direct-to-consumer service. For $29.99 per month, consumers can gain access to ESPN programming, including live games and the network’s programming, without cable or satellite providers.
With this acquisition, ESPN could attach NFL Network and RedZone to this new service.
Customers who already have ESPN can watch ESPN through this new app.
Disney is calling it the “Next Era” for ESPN. The company is expected to launch the direct-to-consumer program — “ESPN” — sometime next week.
The NFL is king in the television landscape. The majority of the most-watched shows in America are NFL games. Being in business with the NFL ensures your network stays relevant.
In 2027, ESPN will air its first Super Bowl. Having the NFL’s media properties before this game will be a huge priority for the company.
The ESPN and NFL deal requires regulatory approval that could take nine months to a year.
