Back in July 2023 it was reported that Disney is in talks with the NFL, NBA, and MLB to have them take joint ownership of ESPN along with Disney. Now it is being reported that Disney is close to a deal that would see ESPN take over the NFL Network in a deal with the NFL.
Exact details of the deal are unknown but earlier reports said that the NFL would offer their games to be aired on ESPN in exchange for a small share of ESPN. Exactly how much the NFL would own of ESPN is unknown. It is also unknown if this deal will still include the NFL taking part ownership of ESPN.
According to CNBC, theNFL could include Disney taking a stake in the NFL Network, NFL.com, and RedZone. With ESPN taking over production of all three. This could help both sides benefit by giving the NFL access to ESPN productions and Disney access to NFL money. The Wall Street Journal also added that the NFL+ service could be a part of this deal with Disney.
Disney currently owns 80% of ESPN, and Hearst owns 20%. Disney could easily sell part of ESPN to the NFL and NBA and still own a controlling majority of ESPN.
For now, we will have to wait and see what happens. Now that ESPN is building its own direct-to-consumer streaming service, it clearly is looking for partners to help make that a reality.
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