Talks between ESPN and the NFL for a strategic partnership are in advanced stages. If a deal is completed between the two parties, ESPN would take control of NFL Network and NFL Media.
Andrew Marchand of the New York Post broke the news last week. ESPN is reportedly looking to go direct-to-consumer in the next year or so, and adding a strategic partner like the NFL could help the network accomplish those goals.
Last summer, the NFL, NBA and MLB were engaged in early talks about an equity stake in ESPN.
In addition to the NFL Network, ESPN would also take control of NFL Media’s other entities including NFL.com, NFL Films and NFL+.
ESPN would also like a digital partner to help from a distribution perspective. There have also been talks with companies such as Amazon and Verizon.
