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ESPN Nears Deal for NFL RedZone and Network as NFL Seeks 10% ESPN Stake

Folding NFL RedZone alongside NFL Network into ESPN’s new $29.99 streaming service would trigger a nine-month regulatory review.

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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 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.