ESPN, NFL Reportedly In Advanced Talks to Give League Equity Stake in Network

The NFL and ESPN are in "advanced talks" regarding a deal which would see the league take an equity stake in the network.

The New York Post's Andrew Marchand broke the news and explained more details.

"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."

Marchand added that it could be months before a deal is finalized. ESPN and the NFL declined comment to the Post when asked about the talks.

Alex Sherman of CNBC also confirmed a potential ESPN-NFL partnership.

As Marchand noted, NFL Media consists of NFL Network, NFL.com, Red Zone, NFL Films and NFL+. ESPN would control that entire group.

Naturally, such a potential deal begs a few questions, which were brought up on X (formerly known as Twitter).

ESPN already has Monday Night Football rights through 2033 on a $2.6 billion (per season) deal. Per Marchand, that deal gives ESPN the right to show 25 games in total.