The NFL and ESPN reached a blockbuster agreement that will place many of the league’s top media holdings with the sports network in exchange for equity in ESPN that is potentially worth billions, sources briefed on the agreement told The Athletic.
An official announcement is expected next week. Disney, ESPN’s parent company, has its earnings call on Wednesday.
ESPN and the NFL declined comment.
The discussions about the monumental deal were on and off for four years and have resulted in what is said to be a complicated agreement, according to the sources. ESPN is expected to have access to RedZone, NFL Network, seven more regular-season games, the NFL’s fantasy football business, as well as the potential to integrate special features (including betting) and potentially more assets.
The agreement coincides with ESPN’s forthcoming direct-to-consumer service that will formally launch in the next few weeks.
The service, which will cost $29.99 per month, will allow subscribers to bypass cable or satellite providers to watch all ESPN programming, including live games, through ESPN’s app. Viewers who already have access to ESPN’s networks through cable, satellite or bundled streaming TV services will also be able to watch ESPN through the new app.
An official announcement is expected next week. Disney, ESPN’s parent company, has its earnings call on Wednesday.
ESPN and the NFL declined comment.
The discussions about the monumental deal were on and off for four years and have resulted in what is said to be a complicated agreement, according to the sources. ESPN is expected to have access to RedZone, NFL Network, seven more regular-season games, the NFL’s fantasy football business, as well as the potential to integrate special features (including betting) and potentially more assets.
The agreement coincides with ESPN’s forthcoming direct-to-consumer service that will formally launch in the next few weeks.
The service, which will cost $29.99 per month, will allow subscribers to bypass cable or satellite providers to watch all ESPN programming, including live games, through ESPN’s app. Viewers who already have access to ESPN’s networks through cable, satellite or bundled streaming TV services will also be able to watch ESPN through the new app.