Report: NFL makes major decision on RedZone's future amid ESPN rumors

by: Nick Geddes • 30 minutes ago • NickGeddesNews

ESPN and the NFL have agreed to a billion-dollar deal that will see the sports network acquire top media properties such as the RedZone channel in exchange for equity in ESPN , per Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. An official announcement is expected next week.

In addition to RedZone , ESPN is expected to have access to NFL Network , seven regular season games, the league’s fantasy football business, potential to integrate special features like betting and potentially more assets, Marchand reported. The deal comes as  ESPN  is soon to make its programming available in a direct-to-customer product.  ESPN  has coined it as the “Next Era.” It is set to cost $29.99 a month.

“The ESPN -NFL deal will require regulatory approval, which could take nine months to a year,” Marchand wrote. “If it goes into effect next season, it would be part of a big year for ESPN as the 2026-27 year ends with ESPN ’s first Super Bowl. The game will also be on ABC .”

NFL Network , which started in 2003, has been looking to unload many of its NFL Media properties. While the league is a multi-billion-dollar juggernaut, NFL Network has been plagued by cutbacks for years. “ ESPN is expected to invest in improving NFL Network programming,” according to Marchand.

RedZone channel moving to new home in future

RedZone launched in 2009 and shows every touchdown and every key play from every game around the league.  Scott Hanson  has hosted the show since its inception. Amid speculation that he could be moving into a different role or with a new company, Hanson announced in May that he is returning to  RedZone  in 2025.

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