The NFL is Discussing a Deal To Gain Equity in ESPN
In a move that could drastically reshape the sports media landscape, ESPN and the NFL are negotiating a deal that could see the league taking an equity stake in Worldwide Leader in Sports.
As part of the agreement, Disney-owned ESPN would take control of NFL MEDIA, which includes the popular NFL Network.
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
A Massive Boost For ESPN
As Bob Iger and Disney look to create a direct-to-consumer version of ESPN by 2025, the network would certainly be boosted by a partnership with the biggest sports league in America.
According to the New York Post, the negotiations between ESPN and the NFL are far enough along that the owners and the NFL Players Association have been informed about the talks.
Photo: ESPN
Both groups would need to sign off on any equity agreement as the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement calls for revenue sharing.
Should the deal go through, ESPN would oversee the NFL Network, NFl.com, Red Zone, NFL Films, and NFL+.
The Ramifications of a Deal
Perhaps more importantly, however, the synergistic possibilities between the NFL and ESPN would be plentiful. Additionally, Disney may be able to secure better carriage deals for the NFL Network by including it in the company’s larger portfolio.
The other question arising from an ESPN-NFL deal would be the rights to NFL broadcasts.
Photo: ESPN
Should the NFL have a vested interest in the success of ESPN, it is possible that the network would have an inside track to securing broadcasting rights.
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