Overview
- ESPN is in advanced negotiations with the NFL to acquire NFL RedZone and NFL Network, reflecting the closest progress yet after years of discussions.
- The NFL is pursuing roughly a 10% equity position in ESPN as part of the arrangement, revisiting talks first reported two years ago.
- The combined deal is expected to prompt a nine-month antitrust review before any transfers of channels or ownership stakes occur.
- ESPN intends to feature the acquired channels in its upcoming $29.99 per month direct-to-consumer streaming service launching this fall.
- The proposal excludes other NFL Media assets such as NFL Films, NFL.com, the NFL app and NFL+, focusing solely on RedZone and Network.