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ESPN Signals Openness to More League Equity Deals After NFL Network Agreement

Pitaro’s comments point to a broader streaming strategy that would place NFL Network inside ESPN’s new app once regulators sign off.

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New York, NY - August 19, 2025 - 7 Hudson Square: Jimmy Pitaro during the 2025 Direct to Consumer Press Event. (Photo by Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images)
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro (Photo by Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images)

Overview

  • ESPN will assume control of NFL Network, the linear RedZone channel and NFL Fantasy in exchange for the NFL taking roughly a 10% stake, with closing subject to regulatory review and owners’ approval.
  • Pitaro said NFL Network will be included in ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service after the deal closes, positioning the channel as part of the company’s $29.99-per-month streaming push.
  • The NFL will continue to own NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, the NFL Podcast Network, the NFL FAST channel and team sites, and it will keep producing RedZone and hold digital distribution rights to the show.
  • Pitaro said ESPN would consider similar media-for-equity structures with other leagues only if they make business sense, while NFL executive Hans Schroeder stressed the league will keep distribution decisions at arm’s length from its equity stake.
  • ESPN and MLB are reported by the Wall Street Journal to be closing in on a three-year, $1.65 billion package to include MLB.TV in ESPN’s DTC offering, which Pitaro said he expects to finalize relatively soon but did not announce as done.