NFL on the verge of selling media assets to ESPN for an equity stake in the network, AP source says
People familiar with the transaction said the multibillion-dollar deal would give the NFL an equity stake in ESPN.
The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized. It was first reported by The Athletic.
The NFL and ESPN had no comment.
The NFL has been trying to sell its media properties for nearly five years. ESPN and the league have been involved in on-again, off-again talks for the past three years.
The proposed move comes as ESPN is expected to soon launch its direct-to-consumer service, likely before the end of August. The service would give cord cutters access to all of ESPN's programs and networks for $29.99 per month. Most cable, satellite and viewers who have streaming services will receive the service for free as part of their subscription.
ESPN would get access to the popular RedZone channel, as well as NFL Network and an additional seven regular-season games (six international and a Saturday afternoon late-season contest).
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A couple of weeks ago, ESPN announced that NFL Network host Rich Eisen's three-hour program would air on ESPN Radio as well as stream on Disney+ and ESPN+. 'The Rich Eisen Show' is not affiliated with NFL Network.
ESPN has carried NFL games since 1987 and 'Monday Night Football' since 2006. Under the current TV contract, it will have the 2027 and 2031 Super Bowls for the first time.
NFL Network started in November 2003 and was the second major pro league to have its own network. NBA TV started in 1999, MLB Network in 2009 and NHL Network in the United States in 2007.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
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The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Long before Allen led the Buffalo Bills to dominance in the AFC East, he spent three years (2015-17) at Wyoming, where he and Eberhardt were teammates for two years. The six-foot-one, 200-pound Eberhardt is in his third season as a receiver with the CFL's B.C. Lions. And it didn't take Eberhardt — a former high school quarterback — long to understand Allen was different. 'The first time I got there, we were just warming up,' Eberhardt said. 'And after about 10 minutes I look up and he's like 80 yards down the field flicking the ball to me. 'I was like, 'What? This is crazy. College is unreal. 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