ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, has reached a non-binding agreement with the National Football League (NFL) to acquire NFL Network and other media assets in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN. The deal includes NFL’s linear RedZone Channel and NFL Fantasy, as well as plans for the NFL to license games, NFL RedZone, NFL Films programming, and other content rights to ESPN.
According to the announcement made on August 5, 2025, ESPN will own and operate NFL Network. There are plans to fully integrate the network into ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer service. The move is expected to increase accessibility and flexibility for consumers while promoting innovation in sports programming.
“Today’s announcement paves the way for the world’s leading sports media brand and America’s most popular sport to deliver an even more compelling experience for NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “Commissioner Goodell and the NFL have built outstanding media assets, and these transactions will add to consumer choice, provide viewers with even greater convenience and quality, and expand the breadth and value proposition of Disney’s streaming ecosystem.”
As part of the arrangement, ESPN will have broad rights to the RedZone brand and will distribute the NFL RedZone Channel to pay TV operators for inclusion in their sports packages. In addition, NFL Fantasy Football will merge with ESPN Fantasy Football to create what both organizations describe as an enhanced offering designed to meet global demand.
The agreement also means that ESPN platforms will license three additional NFL games per season to air on NFL Network. Four games from ESPN’s overall schedule will shift to the network so it continues presenting seven games each season.
Despite these changes, the NFL will retain ownership of certain media businesses including properties such as NFL Films and fan-facing platforms like NFL+, NFL.com, the NFL Podcast Network, the NFL FAST Channel, and official sites for its 32 clubs. The league will also continue producing and operating digital distribution of NFL RedZone.
Completion of these transactions is subject to negotiation of definitive agreements between both parties as well as various approvals including by team owners.
Currently, ESPN is owned 80 percent by ABC, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, with Hearst holding a 20 percent stake.
