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ESPN to Acquire NFL Network and RedZone in 10% Equity Swap

Federal antitrust clearance must be granted before ESPN integrates NFL Network and RedZone into its new streaming platform under a 10 percent equity swap

Overview

  • ESPN and the NFL reached a non-binding agreement granting ESPN control of NFL Network, NFL RedZone, NFL Fantasy and related media assets in exchange for a 10 percent stake for the league.
  • The Justice Department has launched a year-long antitrust review that Disney’s CFO expects will delay the deal’s completion until late 2026.
  • ESPN’s $29.99-per-month direct-to-consumer streaming service, launching August 21, will incorporate the newly acquired NFL content alongside WWE live events.
  • ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro has affirmed that the network’s coverage of the NFL and its journalistic standards will remain unchanged despite the league’s minority ownership.
  • Acquiring the RedZone trademark gives ESPN the option to develop college football and other sports editions of the whip-around highlights brand in partnership with the NFL.