The NFL has reached a colossal pact with ESPN, with the Worldwide Leader poised to acquire some of the league’s premier media assets in a union that could be worth “billions,” The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported Friday.
Though an official announcement is not anticipated until next week, it is believed “ESPN is expected to have access to ‘RedZone’, NFL Network, seven more regular-season games, the NFL’s fantasy football business, potential to integrate special features (including betting) and potentially more assets,” according to the report.
In exchange, the NFL would receive “up to 10 percent of ESPN equity” that “is potentially worth billions.”
The Athletic reported the deal requires “regulatory approval,” with a timeline that could span nine months to a year.
The NFL has reached a blockbuster pact with ESPN, The Athletic reported in August 2025. Getty Images
If the deal does go into effect next season, it only adds to the importance of the year for ESPN, as the network is set to host its first Super Bowl to conclude the 2026-27 season. It also will air on ABC, another Disney property.
The NFL and ESPN declined to comment to The Athletic.
The agreement lines up with ESPN’s timing of its new direct-to-consumer service that is set to officially launch in the upcoming weeks.
ESPN would acquire some of the league’s premier assets while the NFL would receive equity in the network, according to the report. Getty Images for ESPNThe $29.99 per month service, which has been marketed as the “Next Era” for ESPN, will enable subscribers to ditch cable and satellite providers to watch all of the network’s programming, including live games and events, through an app. Those who already have access to ESPN through cable or satellite also will be able to watch through the network’s new app.
As ESPN was planning the launch of its new service, there were various discussions with professional sports leagues and some of the top digital players in the space. Nevertheless, the NFL was always considered the top target given its close relationship with the network and its long-standing success.
ESPN already pays the NFL about $2.7 billion per year and holds the rights to Super Bowls in 2027 and 2031.
NFL Network hosts Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo interact with General Manager Nick Caserio of the Houston Texans on the set of The Insiders at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Getty ImagesThe NFL also has been looking to make moves to ideally unload several of its media properties.
When it started in 2003, NFL Network was thought to be a top competitor to ESPN. That rivalry never came to fruition.
It’s unclear how “RedZone” is expected to be packaged and priced.
It likely will go in with ESPN’s existing channels, which already earn more than $10 per month from subscribers to cable, satellite and other platforms such as YouTube TV and Fubo. It’s expected to be available on the network’s to-be-released new app.
