ESPN has finalized its acquisition of NFL Network and several other league digital assets after receiving approval from U.S. and international regulators, the companies announced Saturday night.
The deal closed following reviews by the U.S. Department of Justice and non-U.S. antitrust authorities, according to a joint statement from ESPN and the National Football League. The regulatory approval was first reported by The Athletic.
Under the agreement, ESPN acquires NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the RedZone channel to cable and satellite providers. In return, the National Football League receives a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
“With the closing, we will begin integrating NFL employees into ESPN in the months ahead,” the two organizations said. “As we look to the future, NFL fans can look forward to expanded NFL programming, greater access to NFL Network, innovative Fantasy experiences and unparalleled coverage of America’s most popular sport.”
Viewers are not expected to see immediate changes to NFL Network programming. Integration of NFL Media employees into ESPN is expected to begin in April.
NFL Network, which reaches nearly 50 million subscribers, will be added to ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming product, launched last August shortly after the deal was first announced.
ESPN will also distribute NFL RedZone to cable and satellite operators, though the NFL will continue to own, operate and produce the channel and retain digital distribution rights. ESPN will gain rights to the RedZone brand, opening the door to potential RedZone-style channels for college football, basketball or other sports in the future.
The deal marks a major expansion of ESPN’s NFL footprint as the network deepens its partnership with the league across television, streaming and digital platforms.
























