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ESPN to Acquire NFL Network and RedZone in Equity-for-Assets Deal

Unveiled during Disney’s August 6 earnings call, it triggers a year-long regulatory review before assets transfer ahead of ESPN’s streaming launch.

Overview

  • ESPN has agreed to acquire the NFL Network, RedZone, seven regular-season games and the league’s fantasy football operations in exchange for up to a 10 percent equity stake in the network.
  • Disney is poised to announce the transaction next week as ESPN prepares to roll out a $29.99 monthly direct-to-consumer streaming service.
  • The NFL’s equity position, valued in the billions, aligns the league’s financial interests with ESPN and concludes four years of intermittent negotiations.
  • Federal regulators must approve the deal over nine to 12 months, making full integration unlikely before the 2026 NFL season.
  • The agreement bolsters ESPN’s live sports lineup at a time of waning cable subscriptions and underscores the importance of marquee sporting content for streaming growth.