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ESPN Nears Acquisition of NFL Network and RedZone While NFL Pursues 10% ESPN Stake

A nine-month regulatory review could postpone the NFL channel rollout beyond the launch of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer app.

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Bristol, CT - March 13, 2023 - Studio W: Set of SportsCenter during the NFL Free Agency Countdown Deadline Special. (Photo by Kelly Anne Backus / ESPN Images)
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Overview

  • ESPN is in advanced talks to take full control of NFL Network and NFL RedZone as negotiations enter their most advanced phase.
  • NFL owners have been notified to prepare for a potential vote on the deal as soon as next week.
  • The league is negotiating to acquire up to a 10% equity stake in ESPN, with the final figure still under discussion.
  • Federal regulators are expected to spend up to nine months reviewing the proposed transfer, potentially delaying integration into ESPN’s platform past the upcoming NFL season.
  • ESPN plans to launch its first direct-to-consumer streaming service this fall for $29.99 per month and intends to feature live NFL programming if the acquisition secures approval.