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ESPN Secures NFL RedZone Brand in Exchange for NFL Equity Stake

NFL Media remains in control of the commercial-free RedZone broadcast under the deal transferring the brand to ESPN for future expansion

Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota stands on stage with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn.

Overview

  • ESPN now owns the NFL RedZone name following completion of a billion-dollar media-asset swap with the league
  • The NFL received a roughly 10% stake in ESPN valued at $2–3 billion in return for the brand rights
  • Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that NFL Media will continue producing the flagship program in Los Angeles without any format or production changes
  • The acquisition grants ESPN the option to launch RedZone-style coverage for college football and other sports, though no official rollout has been announced
  • Fans have voiced concerns on social media that ESPN could alter the core RedZone experience despite league assurances