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Latest News  + Direct Investment  + M&As  |  August 6, 2025
ESPN to Acquire NFL Network and Key Digital Assets in Equity Swap Deal 
By: Joe Palmisano

ESPN to Acquire NFL Network and Key Digital Assets in Equity Swap Deal 

The Walt Disney Company’s ESPN and the National Football League (NFL) have entered into a non-binding agreement whereby ESPN will acquire NFL Network, along with the linear RedZone Channel and NFL Fantasy, in exchange for the NFL receiving a 10% equity stake in ESPN. 

This move comes amid ESPN’s continued evolution into a sports streaming powerhouse, integrating more league-owned media into its direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy. The deal also reflects the NFL’s shift toward deeper media partnerships with major broadcasters while retaining ownership of its core digital platforms. 

“Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL have built outstanding media assets,” said Robert Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “These transactions will add to consumer choice, provide viewers with even greater convenience and quality, and expand the breadth and value proposition of Disney’s streaming ecosystem.” 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell added, “The Network’s sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.” 

The deal will also expand ESPN’s NFL game inventory, with three additional games per season licensed to air on the NFL Network via ESPN’s platforms. However, four games currently scheduled on ESPN will shift to NFL Network, which will continue to present seven games per season under the new agreement. 

Notably, the NFL will retain control of several key media properties, including NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, the NFL Podcast Network, the NFL FAST Channel, and all 32 club websites. The league will also continue producing and operating NFL RedZone, while retaining the rights to distribute RedZone digitally. 

ESPN is 80% owned by ABC, Inc. and 20% by Hearst Corporation. 

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About Joe Palmisano

Joe Palmisano is Editorial Director for Connect Money, where he brings nearly three decades experience of market insights as a financial journalist, analyst and senior portfolio manager for leading financial publications, advisory firms, and hedge funds. In his role as Editorial Director, Joe is responsible for the selection of content and creation of daily business news covering the financial markets, including Alternative Assets, Direct Investment and Financial Advisory services. Before joining Connect Money, Joe was a financial journalist for the Wall Street Journal, regularly publishing feature stories and trend pieces on the foreign exchange, global fixed income and equity markets. Joe parlayed his experience as a financial journalist into roles as a Senior Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager, writing daily and weekly market analysis and managing a FX and US equity portfolio. Joe was also a contributing writer for industry magazines and publications, including SFO Magazine and the CMT Association. Joe earned a B.S.B.A. in Finance from The American University. He holds the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designation and is a member of the CFA Institute.