One of the world’s most popular sports is about to become even more accessable…
This evening, ESPN announced that it would be acquiring the NFL Network and other National Football League media assets. This includes the rights to the league’s popular RedZone channel.
Essentially, the NFL Network will be owned and operated by ESPN, which will control the network’s linear and digital rights. The NFL Network will be slowly be integrated into ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming product as it continues available on paid TV providers.
According to a joint statement from Disney-owned sports network and the league, ESPN will own broad rights to RedZone, including the trademark; however, the NFL will continue to own, operate and produce content on the RedZone channel. The league will also keep the rights to distribute it digitally.
ESPN also revealed that the deal would allow it to acquire the NFL’s “fantasy” products. Going forward, all previous NFL fantasy programs will be merged into ESPN’s existing programs, making ESPN Fantasy Football the official game of the NFL.
The league will also continue to own and operate some of its media businesses, including projects and products released under the NFL Films banner and NFL.com respectively.
Under the deal, the NFL will get a 10% equity stake in the sports network.
In a statement, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said:
“By combining these NFL media assets with ESPN’s reach and innovation, we’re creating a premier destination for football fans. Together, ESPN and the NFL are redefining how fans engage with the game — anytime, anywhere. This deal helps fuel ESPN’s digital future, laying the foundation for an even more robust offering as we prepare to launch our new direct-to-consumer service.”
ESPN platforms will also license three additional NFL games per season, giving the season 28 total games. NFL Network will continue to show seven games per season, with some games shifting to NFL Network from ESPN’s original schedule.
Dates and games were not announced.
Earlier this year, ESPN announced a streaming service that will launch later this year priced at $29.99 a month. With NFL under its belt now, the direct-to-consumer service will make it an even better deal for those who don’t have access to ESPN on ABC or other streaming services.
SOURCE: ESPN
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