ESPN, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company, announced Tuesday that it officially acquires the National Network of the National Football League (NFL) in a historic agreement.
The agreement – which gives the NFL a 10% participation in ESPN – includes the Linear Redzone Channel of the NFL and the NFL Fantasy.
The agreement between the giant of the sports media and the NFL aims to “establish a new standard for the way in which professional football is delivered, experienced and celebrated by fans,” companies said in a press release on the agreement.
A detail of the NFL network logo on a shirt during the Big 12 NFL Pro Day at the Ford Center at the Star on March 19, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo of Aaron M. Sprecher / Getty Images)
Aaron M. Sprecher / Getty Images
“Today’s announcement opens the way to the main brand of sports media in the world and the most popular American sport to offer an even more convincing experience to NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can,” said Robert A. Iger, Managing Director of Walt Disney Company.
“The Commissioner Goodell and the NFL have built exceptional media assets, and these transactions will add to the choice of consumers, will offer viewers greater convenience and quality, and will expand the proposal for extent and value of the Disney streaming ecosystem,” added Iger.
The agreement coincides with the next Direct Service of ESPN, according to the press release, which will now include NFL content. NFL programming will also remain on cable, satellite and the main streaming suppliers, companies said.
In total, the ESPN platforms will dissect three additional games per season of the NFL to broadcast on NFL Network following the agreement, according to the companies.
A detailed view of an ESPN TV camera during the match between the Red Sox of Boston and Philadelphia Phillies at the Citizens Bank Park on July 23, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Red Sox beaten the 9-8 phillies in additional sleeves. (Photo by Mitchell Leff / Getty Images)
Mitchell Leff / Getty images
The NFL Fantasy Football will also merge with Espn Fantasy Football, creating the official match of the fantastic NFL season.
“Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans an access to the sport they love,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, in the press release. “Whether it’s starting football on Thursday evening, televising the combination or telling incredible football stories through original shows and news, NFL Network has delivered. The sale of the network in ESPN will rely on this remarkable heritage, offering more NFL football to more fans in a new and innovative way.”
The agreements are not binding and the transactions are subject to the negotiation of the parties and to various approvals, including by the owners of the NFL team, according to the press release.
“It’s an exciting day for sports fans,” said Jimmy Pitaro, president of ESPN. “By combining these media assets from NFL with ESPN’s scope and innovation, we create a leading destination for football fans.”
Publisher’s note: This story has been updated.
Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ESPN and ABC News.
