By JOE REEDY
The NFL and ESPN are expected to announce an agreement next week under which most of the league’s significant media holdings would go to the sports network.
People familiar with the transaction said the multibillion-dollar deal would give the NFL an equity stake in ESPN.
The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized. It was first reported by The Athletic.
The NFL and ESPN had no comment.
The NFL has been trying to sell its media properties for nearly five years. ESPN and the league have been involved in on-again, off-again talks for the past three years.
The proposed move comes as ESPN is expected to soon launch its direct-to-consumer service, possibly before the end of August. The service would give cord-cutters access to all of ESPN’s programs and networks for $29.99 per month. Most cable, satellite and viewers who have streaming services will receive the service for free as part of their subscription.
ESPN would get access to the popular RedZone channel, as well as NFL Network and an additional seven regular-season games (six international and a Saturday afternoon late-season contest).
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A couple of weeks ago, ESPN announced that NFL Network host Rich Eisen’s three-hour program would air on ESPN Radio as well as stream on Disney+ and ESPN+. “The Rich Eisen Show” is not affiliated with NFL Network.
ESPN has carried NFL games since 1987 and “Monday Night Football” since 2006. Under the current TV contract, it will have the 2027 and 2031 Super Bowls for the first time.
NFL Network started in November 2003 as the NFL became the second major pro league to have its own network. NBA TV started in 1999, MLB Network in 2009 and NHL Network in the United States in 2007.
