Latest news with #SuperBowl61
Mint
01-08-2025
- Business
- Mint
ESPN acquires NFL RedZone, NFL network in multi-billion dollar deal
ESPN has reportedly secured a blockbuster deal with the National Football League (NFL), acquiring popular assets like NFL RedZone and NFL Network, according to The Athletic. Valued potentially in the billions, this agreement marks one of the biggest media transactions of the century. Notably, an official announcement is expected next week. The agreement brings several high-profile NFL Media properties under ESPN's umbrella. Key acquisitions include: NFL RedZone: The fan-favourite Sunday program, hosted by Scott Hanson, delivers real-time action, switching between games to show scoring plays and critical moments. NFL Network: Based in Culver City, California, the network features shows like Good Morning Football and NFL GameDay Kickoff. Fantasy Football Franchises: The NFL's popular fantasy platforms will also join ESPN's portfolio. Additional Games: ESPN will broadcast seven more regular-season games, expanding its NFL coverage. Notably, NFL Films is not part of the deal, but the NFL is likely to receive a 10% equity stake in ESPN, a Disney-owned company. The timing of this deal aligns with ESPN's upcoming direct-to-consumer service, set to launch in weeks. Priced at $29.99 per month, the service will allow fans to stream all ESPN programming, including NFL games, without a cable subscription. This move caters to offering more flexibility for viewers. Traditional ESPN subscribers will also gain access to the new app, ensuring a seamless transition. The deal awaits approval from government regulators, a process that typically takes 9-12 months. If approved, it could set the stage for ESPN's coverage of Super Bowl 61, scheduled for February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. NFL RedZone's inclusion could be a game-changer for ESPN's carriage negotiations. By bundling RedZone with its existing channels, ESPN can offer a compelling package to distributors and viewers. NFL Network, launched in 2003, has faced cutbacks in recent years but remains home to popular programs. ESPN's investment could revitalize the network, especially with talents like former Good Morning Football host Peter Schrager already at ESPN. Schrager's move to shows like Get Up and First Take signals ESPN's commitment to integrating NFL Network's personalities.
USA Today
01-08-2025
- Business
- USA Today
ESPN obtains RedZone, other media assets from NFL in blockbuster deal, per report
In one of the biggest media deals this century, ESPN and the National Football League agreed to a deal that will send popular entities such as RedZone over to the network, according to The Athletic. The deal, according to the report, could be worth billions and is expected to be formally announced next week. ESPN is gearing to start its direct-to-consumer service within weeks, which consumers are expected to pay nearly $30 a month, allowing buyers to cut cable subscriptions even further as people have more choices than ever in how they consume content featuring the nation's most popular and attended spectator sport. The network is expected to absorb the aforementioned RedZone, NFL Network, headquartered in Culver City, California, and to take on its slate of games this season as well as the league's popular fantasy football franchises. It is not expected that NFL Films is part of the deal, but the league is likely to take a 10% stake in the majority Disney-owned ESPN. The league is currently in an 11-year, $111 billion media rights deal with Amazon, CBS, ESPN, Fox, and NBC, which is set to expire in 2033. The deal still needs to be approved by government regulators, but is expected to be done in plenty of time for the network to gear up for its Super Bowl 61 coverage. The game is set for February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The game is to be aired by ABC, another Disney-owned property.
