You know how Amazon used to just be a bookstore, and now you can buy dog food, a drone, and diapers at 3 a.m. while binge-watching Netflix? ESPN is now the sports version, and I can’t decide if it’s going to be brilliant or terrifying.
With the recent moves to acquire NFL Media—which includes the iconic NFL RedZone—the rights to air Inside the NBA, the studio show all others are judged by, and the launch of a blockbuster new streaming service, ESPN is no longer just the Worldwide Leader in Sports.
It’s sports Amazon: if they don’t have it, you don’t need it.
There’s never been a bigger power grab in sports media history. Disney/ESPN will own or share rights to every major American sport: NFL, NBA, MLB, college football, college basketball, and the WNBA, while also dabbling in the NHL, UFC, golf, tennis, racing, and more. Now add the media arm of the NFL, the most popular sport in America.
They don’t just want to own your television anymore—they want to tag along everywhere you go.
ESPN Placing Themselves Under a Microscope
Starting August 21, ESPN will officially launch its direct-to-consumer streaming service, giving fans full access to all ESPN channels without cable or anything similar. They’ve also secured exclusive streaming rights to all WWE premium events starting in 2026. It’s a massive move that transforms ESPN from a cable-era giant into a sports streaming behemoth.
Every content company talks about staying ahead of the curve; ESPN is now leading the charge, and other networks—regardless of what kind of content they produce—will be watching closely.
On the flip side, fans are rightly concerned that ESPN won’t do the best thing for their two most high-profile new properties—Inside the NBA and NFL RedZone—and that’s… nothing.
Inside the NBA is perfect as-is. It’s not just a show—it’s a cultural event. Charles, Kenny, Shaq, and Ernie are lightning in a bottle. It doesn’t need a “Let me tell you something” from Stephen A. No room for a dash of Perk. Not even a cameo. Start the show, double-lock the doors, and watch the zany magic happen.
RedZone is the church of the NFL, and Scott Hanson is the high priest. The iron-bladdered, quad-box lord doesn’t need the blasting presence of the tank-top king and his bro crew. Resist the temptation, ESPN execs. Fantasy football freaks and jittery gamblers will thank you. And speaking of, did I mention ESPN Bet? Yep. They’ve got sports betting on lockdown too.
ESPN’s best current show—College GameDay—still works after nearly 40 years because it blends real analysis, passion, just the right amount of silly, and strong chemistry in front of an amped-up college crowd fueled by Red Bull and bottom-shelf vodka. It knows what it is and delivers what the audience wants. That’s the formula. Shows around the games deserve the same level of thought and balance.
Just like Saturday, station your NFL crew at the biggest game of the week each Sunday. Crowds bring energy and fun, plus personalities turn it up a notch on location. Daytime debate shows can chase clicks and trend on X, but programming around actual games deserves better.
Will the NFL Have Influence on ESPN?
Now here’s the twist: the NFL will now own 10% of ESPN in this new pact, reportedly worth over $2 billion. So what happens when the league faces a scandal? CTE lawsuits, gambling investigations, drug abuse, racial inequities in front offices. Uncomfortable topics that demand real journalism. Will ESPN cover it fairly? Or will it bury it under a pile of LeBron highlights and hot takes?
The “E” in ESPN stands for Entertainment, not Ethics, so it’s a fair question.
The company has always been hyper-protective of its brand. No one person is bigger. That’s why they often opt for ex-athletes they can turn into stars by molding and reps. Think Dan Orlovsky, Ryan Clark, Damien Woody. But now that ESPN is operating a full-blown sports empire, it might be time to go bold.
Start with Aaron Rodgers. He’s polarizing, sure, but he moves the needle. You might not agree with what he says, but he believes it. He has NFL credibility and that “can’t-look-away” factor.
Travis Kelce might be in his final year with the Chiefs, Jason Kelce is already on the payroll. KelceCast, anyone?
Are we sure Marshawn Lynch can’t find a niche in this new ESPN landscape?
Can we get Peyton Manning more than once a week? Throw him in a VR machine to show us what it’s like to be under blitz pressure.
Recent All-Pro retirees Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu talked on the field—hand ’em a mic.
George Kittle is in his 30s, so he could soon break a chair over someone’s head on a WWE set and then offer real insight on NFL Live. With the NFL now in the family, fans will expect an upgrade in star power.
Always Continue To Look for Talent
They’ve already started dipping into crossover culture. ESPN recently hired 22-year-old Katie Feeney, a social media force with over 14 million followers. She’ll contribute across SportsCenter, College GameDay, NFL Countdown, and more. Proof that ESPN isn’t just broadcasting culture—it’s trying to set it.
More stars in that mold could include former LSU gymnast and influencer Livvy Dunne (8+ million TikTok followers) and Donald De La Haye, aka Deestroying, the ex-kicker turned YouTube megastar with over 6 million subs and a built-in football following.
Take chances with the streaming service on some of the most popular sports and entertainment podcasts in the country.
Put it all together, and ESPN has assembled the ultimate super team: NFL Media, RedZone, WWE, Inside the NBA, plus returning stars like Monday Night Football, College GameDay, The Pat McAfee Show, and enough Stephen A. Smith to power his own 24/7 channel. With broadcast rights to nearly everything that keeps score, and a new streaming platform that requires no cable, ESPN is now the place where sports live, breathe, stream, shout, bet, scroll, buy, sell, and slam.
It’s Sports Amazon—and every other competitor is now distributing games out of the back of a van down by the river.
ESPN has never had more reach. More power. More control. But if you’re looking for true variety in voices, tone, or perspective, that might be harder to find. Because with great content comes great responsibility. Can the new all-everything ESPN be all things to all sports fans, all the time?
We’re about to find out.
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With decades of experience behind the mic, John Lund is more than a sports commentator and weekly columnist for Barrett Media—he’s a storyteller, humorist, and true fan. He’s hosted shows in mid sized markets like Pittsburgh and Salt Lake City to larger cities like San Francisco, Detroit and Dallas. John has even hosted nationally on ESPN Radio. Known for his sharp wit and deep sports knowledge, John welcomes your feedback. Reach him on X @JohnLundRadio or by email at John@JohnLundRadio.com.
