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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

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San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy (13) hands the ball off to San Francisco 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey (23) during practice at the 49ers training camp at the practice facility at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
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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.