ESPN’s purchase of NFL Network and other assets from the league have been granted approval by government regulators.
The Department of Justice and other antitrust organizations completed their reviews of the transaction and signed off on the deal.
As part of the deal, the NFL will receive a 10% equity stake in the network. The network is now 72% owned by Disney, 18% by Hearst, and 10% by the NFL.
“With the closing, we will begin integrating NFL employees into ESPN in the months ahead,” ESPN and the NFL said in a joint statement. “As we look to the future, NFL fans can look forward to expanded NFL programming, greater access to NFL Network, innovative Fantasy experiences and unparalleled coverage of America’s most popular sport.”
ESPN reported that viewers of NFL Network won’t see any changes until April, when NFL Media employees will officially become ESPN employees. NFL Network will be included in the direct-to-consumer product, while NFL RedZone will be distributed by ESPN to cable and satellite companies.
Meanwhile, NFL Network will continue to air seven league broadcasts in 2026. Four of ESPN’s games, including the overlapping Monday Night Football games, will be seen on NFL Network. ESPN will then add another three additional game broadcasts to air on NFL Network.
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