ESPN completed its acquisition of NFL Network and other league media assets after receiving regulatory approval, the companies said Saturday.
The deal cleared review by the U.S. Department of Justice and overseas competition authorities. As part of the transaction, ESPN takes control of NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the RedZone channel on cable and satellite platforms. The National Football League will receive a 10% ownership stake in ESPN.
ESPN and the NFL said integration of NFL Media employees will begin in the coming months, with noticeable programming changes expected around April. NFL Network, which reaches roughly 50 million subscribers, will be folded into ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service launched last year.
Under the agreement, ESPN will distribute RedZone to traditional pay-TV operators, while the NFL will continue to own and produce the channel and retain digital distribution rights. ESPN also gains access to the RedZone brand, opening the door to potential spinoffs for other sports.
NFL Fantasy Football will be combined with ESPN Fantasy, giving ESPN the league’s official fantasy platform. NFL Network will continue to air seven games per season, including four currently on ESPN, while ESPN will license three additional games for the network.
The NFL retains control of its other media properties, including NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, team websites and its free ad-supported streaming channel. Following the deal, ESPN is owned by The Walt Disney Company (DIS) and Hearst, alongside the NFL’s new minority stake.