ESPN, a subsidiary of Walt Disney Company, announced Tuesday that it will officially acquire the National Football League (NFL) network in a historical agreement.
The agreement, which gives the NFL a 10% capital participation in ESPN, includes the NFL linear NFL channel and the NFL fantasy.
The agreement between the giant of the sports media and the NFL aims to “establish a new standard on how professional football is delivered, experienced and held by fans,” said the companies in a press release on the agreement.
A detail of the NFL Network logo in a shirt during the Big 12 NFL Pro Day in Ford Center on The Star on March 19, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images
“Today’s announcement paves the way for the world’s leading media brand and the most popular sport in the United States to offer an even more convincing experience for NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can,” said Robert A. Iger, executive director of Walt Disney Company.
“The Commissioner Goodell and the NFL have created outstanding media assets, and these transactions will be added to the consumer’s choice, they will provide viewers with greater comfort and quality, and will expand the amplitude and value proposition of the Disney transmission ecosystem,” Iger added.
The agreement coincides with the next direct consumer service of ESPN, according to the statement, which will now include NFL content. The NFL programming will also remain in cable, satellite and leaders transmission suppliers, companies said.
In total, ESPN platforms will graduate three additional NFL games per season to broadcast on NFL Network as a result of the agreement, according to companies.
A detailed view of an ESPN TV camera during the game between the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia philis in Citizens Bank Park on July 23, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The red socks defeated the Filis 9-8 in additional entries. (Photo of Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
The NFL Fantasy Football will also merge with ESPN’s fantasy football, creating the official game of the NFL fantasy season.
“Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans access unprecedented to the sport they love,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in the statement. “Whether debuting on Thursday at night of football, televise the harvester or tell incredible football stories through original programs and last minute news, NFL Network has delivered. The sale of the network to ESPN will be based on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.”
The agreements are not binding and the transactions are subject to the negotiation of the parties and several approvals, even by the owners of the NFL team, according to the statement.
“This is an exciting day for sports fans,” said Jimmy Pitaro, president of ESPN. “By combining these assets of the NFL media with the scope and innovation of ESPN, we are creating a main destination for football fans.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated.
Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ESPN and ABC News.
