ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Firm, introduced on Tuesday that it’ll formally purchase the Nationwide Soccer League (NFL) Community in a landmark settlement.
The deal — which supplies the NFL a ten% fairness stake in ESPN — contains the NFL’s linear RedZone Channel and NFL Fantasy.
The settlement between the sports activities media big and the NFL goals to “set a brand new normal for the way skilled soccer is delivered, skilled and celebrated by followers,” the businesses stated in a press launch in regards to the deal.
A element of the NFL Community emblem on a shirt in the course of the Massive 12 NFL Professional Day at Ford Middle at The Star on March 19, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. (Picture by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Photos)
Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Photos
“At the moment’s announcement paves the way in which for the world’s main sports activities media model and America’s hottest sport to ship an much more compelling expertise for NFL followers, in a method that solely ESPN and Disney can,” stated Robert A. Iger, chief govt officer of The Walt Disney Firm.
“Commissioner Goodell and the NFL have constructed excellent media property, and these transactions will add to client alternative, present viewers with even larger comfort and high quality, and broaden the breadth and worth proposition of Disney’s streaming ecosystem,” Iger added.
The settlement coincides with ESPN’s forthcoming direct-to-consumer service, in keeping with the discharge, which can now embrace NFL content material. NFL programming may even stay on cable, satellite tv for pc and main streaming suppliers, the businesses stated.
In complete, ESPN’s platforms will license an extra three NFL video games per season to air on NFL Community because of the settlement, in keeping with the businesses.
An in depth view of an ESPN television digital camera in the course of the recreation between the Boston Purple Sox and Philadelphia Phillies at Residents Financial institution Park on July 23, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Purple Sox defeated the Phillies 9-8 in further innings. (Picture by Mitchell Leff/Getty Photos)
Mitchell Leff/Getty Photos
NFL Fantasy Soccer may even merge with ESPN Fantasy Soccer, creating the official Fantasy season-long recreation of the NFL.
“Since its launch in 2003, NFL Community has offered tens of millions of followers unprecedented entry to the game they love,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated within the launch. “Whether or not it was debuting Thursday Evening Soccer, televising the Mix, or telling unbelievable soccer tales via unique reveals and breaking information, NFL Community has delivered. The Community’s sale to ESPN will construct on this outstanding legacy, offering extra NFL soccer for extra followers in new and modern methods.”
The agreements are non-binding and the transactions are topic to the events’ negotiation and varied approvals, together with by the NFL staff homeowners, in keeping with the discharge.
“That is an thrilling day for sports activities followers,” stated Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN. “By combining these NFL media property with ESPN’s attain and innovation, we’re making a premier vacation spot for soccer followers.”
Editor’s be aware: this story has been up to date.
The Walt Disney Firm is the father or mother firm of ESPN and ABC Information.
