Comcast and Disney Reach New NFL Network Agreement Ending Blackout
With the 2026 NFL season set to kick off in just a few weeks, Disney and Comcast have reached a new carriage deal that will end the blackout of NFL Network and the RedZone Channel.
The impasse between Disney and Comcast began shortly after the Mouse House closed its massive deal with the NFL.
Comcast
As part of the new agreement, Disney acquired NFL Network, the NFL RedZone linear channel, and the rights to more NFL games in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
The Standoff
According to Comcast, when Disney took over negotiations, it quickly raised the carriage price of the NFL networks.
Photo: TamirMoore.com
“Disney/ESPN acquired NFL Network and Red Zone just months ago and are already demanding double the fees for the same content,” read a statement from Comcast at the time. “Their distribution demands would also make millions more pay for a channel they don’t watch.”
As the blackout of the NFL networks kicked off in the offseason, there was minimal pressure on the two parties to reach a new agreement.
NFL
With Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season less than a month away, however, time was running out.
A New Deal
Thankfully, Disney and Comcast came to their senses and have reached a new agreement.
Photo: NFL
While details of the new deal have not been released, football fans will not have to stress any longer.
“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with The Walt Disney Company to bring NFL Network to our customers in time for the start of the preseason games and to offer NFL RedZone Channel at the beginning of the regular season,” said a Comcast spokesperson (via Awful Announcing).
Photo: ESPN
In the end, cooler heads prevailed.
Photo: MickeyBlog
