Disney's ESPN Has Struck A Deal To Acquire NFL Media Assets

TV & Film

Aug 9

It appears that Disney’s ESPN has struck a deal with the National Football League to pick up the NFL Network as well as all NFL media assets. This deal suggests a win/win for all parties involved. While the NFL Network has had a successful following, it has never achieved ESPN level success.

Bob Dorfman, a sports marketing analyst in San Francisco, said that it’s “Tough to estimate a value except that it's in the multi-billions. The NFL seems to have no ceiling on growth and value; with all the content beyond the actual games, it's become a year-round sport. And it's only going to grow internationally.”

It appears that the deal entitles the NFL to a 10% equity stake in ESPN. Industry insiders told Reuters that the stake could be worth $2 billion to $3 billion. Notably, the deal will still require regulatory approval before it can proceed.

Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman, released a statement noting that “combining these NFL media assets with ESPN’s reach and innovation, [the streaming service is] creating a premier destination for football fans.” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell seemingly agrees with Pitaro, commenting that, “The network's sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.”

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Subscriptions will cost consumers $29.99 per month and will include access to ESPN’s catalog of professional and college sports. Access will include the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB. Also included in the lineup will be the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, as well as sports fan favorites like SportsCenter and Pardon the Interruption.

“Today's announcement paves the way for the world's leading sports media brand and America's most popular sport to deliver an even more compelling experience for NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can,” Disney CEO Robert Iger said.

Subscribers could see the streaming service launch by the end of August.

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