The NFL is looking at buying into ESPN, the New York Post reported Friday.
The league and network are in advanced talks about making such a deal happen.
NEWS: ESPN and the NFL are in advanced talks that would give league a stake in the network, The Post has learned.https://t.co/trsHL0ZPzU
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) January 13, 2024
Per Andrew Marchand of the Post:
As part of a potential agreement, Disney-owned ESPN would take control of NFL Media, which includes NFL Network, and the league would receive equity in ESPN. For the long-term viability of ESPN aligning with the most powerful sports league would enhance its position as the network plans to move to direct to consumer by 2025.
While the idea of an ESPN-NFL alliance has been mentioned before, discussions between Disney-owned ESPN and the NFL are far enough along that sources said that owners and the Players Association are being informed about the talks.
ESPN shows 25 NFL games each season. The network pays more than $2.5 million per year to the league.
NFL Media is NFL Network, NFL.com, Red Zone, NFL Films and NFL+.
Neither the league nor network commented to the Post, which said a possible agreement still could be months away,
