ESPN, a subsidiary of the Burbank-based Walt Disney Co., announced a deal with the NFL Tuesday to acquire the NFL Network and related properties, including the popular RedZone Channel.
Exact financial terms were not disclosed, but the NFL will receive a 10% equity stake in ESPN as part of the deal.
“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,” Disney CEO Robert A. Iger said in a statement. “Commissioner (Roger) 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.”
Goodell added in a statement, “Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love. Whether it was debuting Thursday Night Football, televising the Combine, or telling incredible football stories through original shows and breaking news, NFL Network has delivered. The network’s sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.”
The deal gives ESPN control of NFL Network, as well as NFL Fantasy Football — which will merge with ESPN Fantasy Football — and the RedZone Channel, which provides rotating live look-ins at concurrent NFL games.
Also as part of the deal, ESPN will license three additional NFL games per season to air on the NFL Network, and ESPN will adjust its overall league schedule to move four games to the NFL Network.