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5d ago

ESPN Bolsters Streaming Launch With NFL Network Acquisition and WWE Live Event Deal

Regulatory review will determine if the NFL Network acquisition expands ESPN’s streaming lineup with six extra game windows before WWE events arrive on the service.

Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of the ESPN Monday night Football logo during the first half of the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images/File Photo
Tork Mason/Imagn Images
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Overview

  • ESPN agreed on August 6 to acquire NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and RedZone in exchange for the NFL taking a 10% equity stake in the network.
  • The transaction will raise ESPN’s NFL game windows from 22 to 28 on its standalone streaming service, which goes live August 21 at $29.99 per month.
  • The NFL equity-for-assets deal is subject to a Department of Justice antitrust review expected to last up to 12 months.
  • ESPN also secured a five-year, $1.6 billion pact making its service the exclusive U.S. home for WWE’s premium live events, starting in 2026.
  • These moves reflect a broader industry trend toward content consolidation to stabilize subscriber revenue in response to declining cable subscriptions.