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ESPN to Acquire NFL Network in 10 Percent Equity Swap with NFL

The deal transfers control of NFL media channels to ESPN, triggering federal antitrust review, strengthening ESPN’s upcoming standalone streaming service.

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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

  • Under the nonbinding agreement announced August 6, ESPN will take control of NFL Network, RedZone, the NFL Fantasy platform and other media assets in exchange for a 10 percent NFL stake.
  • ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro has insisted that the network’s editorial independence and NFL coverage principles will remain unchanged, though commentators such as Dan Patrick have questioned potential conflicts.
  • The transaction is under review by the Department of Justice and could face intervention from President Trump before its expected closing by the end of 2026.
  • ESPN plans to launch its direct-to-consumer streaming service on August 21 at $29.99 per month, featuring expanded NFL Draft coverage, live analysis and whip-around programming.
  • Starting in 2026, ESPN will also become the exclusive home for WWE Premium Live Events and is exploring extending its newly acquired RedZone brand to college football and other leagues.