NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell believes the league’s new media partnership with ESPN will redefine how fans consume football content — without compromising what they already love. Following the news of the NFL acquiring a 10% stake in ESPN, Goodell joined ESPN’s Hannah Storm for an exclusive one-on-one interview.
Goodell called the evolving relationship between the NFL and ESPN a win for consumers, citing enhanced synergy between the NFL Network, RedZone, and other content under one umbrella.
“I’m most excited for our fans,” Goodell said. “We truly believe this is going to be an unbelievable experience for our fans— ESPN, the NFL Network and other content being able to come together. You’re so great at understanding what the fan wants. You’re so great at the production side of this. This will be combined on larger platforms. The NFL Network is always as well as some of our other important assets. I think this is just going to make the experience for our fans even better as we evolve this relationship.”
The announcement follows a landmark non-binding agreement in which ESPN is expected to acquire NFL Network, RedZone, and additional media assets from the NFL in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN. Despite the seismic media shift, Goodell was quick to reassure viewers that the beloved NFL RedZone will remain unchanged.
“That’ll actually stay the same. It’ll continue to be produced right here in this building [NFL Network Studios in LA]. It will be the NFL RedZone. I don’t think fans will see any difference to that,” Goodell explained.
However, ESPN’s acquisition of the RedZone name opens the door for creative expansion — potentially introducing RedZone-style programming to college football or other sports.
“ESPN purchased the RedZone Name, and they will be able to utilize that for other sports,” Goodell said. “I think that could be an exciting thing for our fans, also. To see a RedZone maybe in college football or other sports.”
Goodell also highlighted the enduring growth of the NFL Draft, calling it “one of the biggest sporting events in all sports,” thanks in part to ESPN’s long-term commitment. He praised the network’s role in elevating the event to primetime and giving viewers a deeper connection to incoming players through storytelling on ABC and other Disney platforms.
“You found other ways to make the draft more enticing,” he said. “That one moment when I get to be a part of that young man finding out which team he’s going to. Being there as a part of that start to his NFL career. It’s a great moment.”
Asked why the league continues to grow in popularity, Goodell credited the game’s structure and spirit.
“It always starts with the game. I’m a huge fan of the game. Always have been. I think the game has so many elements to it that I think relate to people,” Goodell said. “Every year, we have teams that go from last to first. We have teams that make the playoffs that didn’t make the playoffs the year before. That kind of competition, I think it grips the fans.”
Looking ahead, Goodell pointed to international growth and the rise of flag football as reasons for optimism.
“We have seven games globally this year. We’re starting in Brazil in just a few weeks,” Goodell said. “I’ve seen more kids playing our game, both tackle and flag, and particularly young women playing flag. I can’t tell you how excited I am about that.”
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