NFL's Sunday lineup receiving a shakeup - Reports suggest ESPN takes over RedZone and NFL Network
A significant shift is on the horizon for NFL fans seeking to stream their favourite games. The Disney-NFL deal, set to be finalized in the coming weeks, will consolidate key NFL content under ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming service [1][2][5].
This new streaming service, expected to launch just in time for the NFL regular season, will be a potential requirement for watching several football games throughout the season and the RedZone [2]. The service is rumoured to cost around $30 per month, providing access to additional NFL games and the RedZone [3].
One of the most notable aspects of the deal is the transfer of ownership of the NFL Network and RedZone from Disney-owned sports network to the NFL [4]. Moreover, ESPN may acquire seven additional regular season game broadcasts from the NFL, as well as other assets [5].
The deal also signifies a long-term partnership between the two entities, with the NFL potentially receiving up to 10% ownership of ESPN as part of the agreement [3][4]. This partnership could also lead to ESPN acquiring special feature integration with the NFL, such as better advertising opportunities [5].
For football fans, this deal may force them to join ESPN as it could be the only way to watch several football games throughout the season and the RedZone [2]. However, if you are a cable holdout paying for traditional cable services, you will have access to the new ESPN App [6].
The deal also shifts the management of a large chunk of the NFL's in-house content to ESPN, allowing the NFL to focus on football [7]. This could potentially lead to a more streamlined and efficient delivery of NFL content to fans.
The exact timing of the new ESPN streaming service and app's launch is yet to be determined, and the finalization and implementation of the deal may cause confusion for fans if it happens during the season [1]. However, the increased convenience and accessibility offered by the new service is expected to align with shifting viewer preferences away from linear cable TV [1][2].
Lastly, ESPN will also acquire the NFL's fantasy football business, further solidifying its position as a key player in the NFL streaming landscape [8]. The deal's implementation, although uncertain, promises to significantly impact the availability and cost of streaming NFL games for consumers.
[1] The Verge
[2] Deadline
[3] Sports Business Journal
[4] Variety
[5] CNN Business
[6] Axios
[7] The Hollywood Reporter
[8] The Ringer
- This partnership between the NFL and Disney, as revealed by Variety, might lead to ESPN securing a stake in the NFL's fantasy football business, establishing a strong presence in the NFL streaming landscape.
- The Disney-NFL deal, as reported by Deadline, could affect the business realm, with the new ESPN streaming service potentially requiring a subscription to watch several sports, including football games throughout the season and the RedZone.
- Alongside the expected consolidation of key NFL content under ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming service, as mentioned by The Hollywood Reporter, the service may also incorporate features from the entertainment industry, such as better advertising opportunities.
