NFL acquires 10% stake in ESPN as part of landmark media deal
The move gives the NFL a minority stake in one of the most powerful sports broadcasters in the US, while ESPN strengthens its football portfolio with full control of NFL Network and RedZone - two cornerstone properties during the NFL season. (Image Credit: X)
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
In a landmark media shake-up, the NFL has sold its NFL Network and the popular Sunday RedZone broadcast to ESPN in exchange for a 10% ownership stake in the Disney-owned sports network. The deal, announced jointly by the NFL and ESPN on Tuesday, marks a major realignment in sports media and deepens the partnership between the two powerhouse brands.As part of the agreement, NFL Fantasy Football will also merge with ESPN Fantasy Football, creating a unified platform for fans heading into future seasons.The transaction is subject to approval by federal regulators - a process the NFL says could take several months. Until then, viewers and fantasy players should not expect any immediate changes to either ESPN or NFL Network's programming or platforms.The move gives the NFL a minority stake in one of the most powerful sports broadcasters in the US, while ESPN strengthens its football portfolio with full control of NFL Network and RedZone - two cornerstone properties during the NFL season."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 Iger, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company , in a statement.The NFL will permit ESPN to distribute NFL RedZone - the league's popular Sunday whip-around show featuring live scoring plays - to pay-TV providers."Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "The Network's sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways."NFL team owners must still approve the deal, but the vote is expected to be a formality, given the expanded distribution and visibility it offers for league programming.As part of the agreement, ESPN will revise its NFL broadcast schedule, taking on a larger share of games. While NFL Network will continue airing seven games per season, ESPN's slate will grow to 28 matchups.The NFL will retain control of other media properties, including NFL Films and NFL.com.The partnership also establishes the official season-long NFL fantasy game , combining ESPN and NFL Fantasy into a single platform designed to enhance the digital experience and expand global reach.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Malcolm Jenkins and Bucko Kilroy will be remembered forever as they join the Eagles Hall of Fame in November
Malcolm Jenkins and Bucko Kilroy will be remembered forever as they join the Eagles Hall of Fame in November (Image via Getty) The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for a celebration unlike any other this season. Fans at Lincoln Financial Field will watch two legends, Malcolm Jenkins and Bucko Kilroy, getting Hall of Fame recognition. One made history in the modern era, leading the defence in the team's first Super Bowl win. The other built his legacy more than seventy years ago, helping the Philadelphia Eagles win back-to-back NFL titles. Both left a mark far beyond the field. Their moment is set for a special game in late November. Malcolm Jenkins and Bucko Kilroy to be honored in November On November 28, 2025, the Eagles will enshrine Malcolm Jenkins and Bucko Kilroy into the team's Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place at halftime of the Black Friday home game against the Chicago Bears. Malcolm Jenkins arrived in Philadelphia as a free agent in 2014. He never missed a start in six seasons. He played every snap in multiple years and became a team captain. During his Eagles career, Malcolm Jenkins received three Pro Bowl accolades, 515 tackles, 11 interceptions, and 12 forced fumbles. He led the defence helping Super Bowl LII. Team owner Jeffrey Lurie called him 'a tenacious player' and praised his leadership. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Best Method for a Flat Stomach After 50 (It's Genius!) Lulutox Undo Jenkins said the honor 'caught me off guard' and proved his time with the Eagles meant something. Bucko Kilroy's story began in 1943, when wartime roster shortages created the 'Steagles,' a merged team with the Steelers. He remained with the Eagles till 1955. Renowned for his aggressive play on both attack and defence, he contributed to the team's NFL title successes in 1948 and 1949. Later on, he was selected for the All-Decade Team of the 1940s. Also Read: Kylie Kelce Opens Up About Why Her Four Daughters Have Never Been In The Crowd For Travis Kelce's Games Malcolm Jenkins and Bucko Kilroy's lasting impact After retiring as a player, Kilroy shaped the game off the field. In the 1960s, he was a Dallas Cowboys scout before he joined the New England Patriots' front office in 1979. He was their general manager from 1983 to 1993. Kilroy stayed in the Patriots' scouting department until shortly before his death in 2007. Both men, from different eras, share one thing and that is they changed the Philadelphia Eagles forever. On Black Friday, their names will be etched into the franchise's history for generations to remember. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Stefon Diggs just 'ended Jeff Okudah's career'; Patriots fans in awe of new practice video
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs left fans excited with the effort he put in at the joint practice session with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday. The session, arguably the most important for both teams before the season kicks off, was held at 1 p.m. ET in Eagan, Minnesota. It was an open practice, and fans attending were left excited by the Stefon Diggs show. New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) reacts after catching a pass during a joint NFL football training camp with the Minnesota Vikings Wednesday.(AP) Videos of Diggs at the practice session went viral on social media. One particular moment that left fans especially excited was when he took a Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah for a run. Diggs, being chased by Okudah in a run, put in a dodge which left the Vikings star sprinting 10 yards in the wrong direction. "Stefon Diggs just ended Jeff Okudah's career," one user wrote. 'Had the man sprinting the wrong direction for 10 yards.' However, that was not the only Stefon Diggs moment that left fans in awe. Several other plays where Diggs played with the Vikings' defense went viral. Here's another video. "I've seen enough, Stefon Diggs WR1 szn," the user sharing it wrote. "Jeff Okudah needs GPS, Google Maps, and a prayer to cover Stefon Diggs on this route," wrote the X handle of DraftKings. "Stefon Diggs out there playing DBs like a fiddle 🎻 Continues to be one of the few injury comeback cases in high on this season," wrote another. Also read Buccaneers rookie Desmond Watson asked to lose weight before NFL debut During 7-on-7 drills, Stefon Diggs repeatedly found open pockets in the short zones, making himself an easy target for quick completions. His consistency in getting separation also carried over into the 11-on-11 sessions, where he proved highly dependable in extending drives. Quarterback Drake Maye also delivered a positive performance. In the 11-on-11 periods, he showcased his arm strength and timing, firing several sharp passes that resulted in significant gains and even touchdowns.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders sustains an oblique injury and is unlikely to play against Eagles
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Cleveland rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders sustained an oblique injury during drills ahead of practice Wednesday and is considered unlikely to play in the Browns' preseason game against the Eagles. HT Image Sanders did not play the remainder of the practice session after he was hurt and was ruled out of Thursday's practice. Sanders and the Browns were in Philadelphia for a pair of joint practices ahead of Saturday's preseason game. The Browns said Sanders is day to day. Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards with two first-half touchdown passes to Kaden Davis in his NFL preseason debut in a win over Carolina on Friday night. The performance by Hall of Famer Deion Sanders' son even caught the attention of NBA star LeBron James. 'That young (man) looking good out there,' James wrote. 'Keep going UP!!! HEAD down on the grind and HEAD high to the most high.' The Browns took Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the NFL draft. He wasn't selected until the 144th overall pick, a stunning fall for the most recognizable player in this draft class. Sanders finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy balloting last season for Colorado and threw for a school-record 4,134 yards last season. He is part of a crowded Browns quarterback room as Deshaun Watson is expected to sit out this season with a torn Achilles tendon. The group also includes Kenny Pickett, 40-year-old Joe Flacco and third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, who was responsible for a Football Bowl Subdivision-record 188 total touchdowns during a six-year career that included stops at Central Florida, Oklahoma and Oregon. Pickett has been slowed in training camp with a hamstring injury and Gabriel experienced a tight hamstring. ___ AP NFL:
