ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro described the network’s recent acquisition of NFL Network as a “unique deal at a unique moment in time” during a Bank of America investor conference Thursday, signaling that similar partnerships with other sports leagues could be on the horizon.
“I would say to have it would have to make business sense,” Pitaro said when asked if ESPN might replicate the deal. “We’re always interested in ways to advance the business and, just as importantly, ways to serve the sports fan. So if someone comes to us and presents a compelling opportunity, we’re of course going to listen.”
Under the agreement, ESPN will take operational control of NFL Network, its linear RedZone channel, and NFL Fantasy, while the league will retain a 10% stake. Disney owns 80% of ESPN, with Hearst holding the remaining 20%.
The NFL will continue to operate NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, the NFL Podcast Network, the NFL FAST channel, and the official sites for all 32 clubs. The league will also maintain ownership and distribution rights for NFL RedZone digitally.
Pitaro emphasized the trust built between the NFL and ESPN. “I don’t want to speak for the NFL, but I believe that they have seen what we can do on the studio side. I think they have a lot of trust and faith in us in terms of continuing to operate NFL Network consistent to how it’s been operated in the past. So there’s a ton of excitement there,” he said.
Once the deal receives regulatory approval likely sometime next year, NFL Network will be included in ESPN’s direct-to-consumer app. ESPN could also plan to expand the RedZone brand across other sports and leagues. Additionally, the network will license three more NFL games per season to air on NFL Network and adjust its scheduling to shift four games, including overlapping windows, to the channel, which will continue to present seven games annually.
The agreement also extends ESPN’s license for the NFL Draft. Starting in 2026, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN’s DTC platforms will stream Draft coverage across ESPN, ABC, and ESPN Deportes, supplemented by alternate presentations and a new daily show on ESPN2.
ESPN and ABC will produce telecasts for the first three rounds of the draft, with ESPN continuing coverage for rounds four through seven, including simulcasts on ABC. Football shows such as College GameDay and NFL Live will remain on-site, and ESPN Radio will continue live broadcasts.
Pitaro indicated that ESPN is open to other league opportunities. The NFL could renegotiate media rights beginning in 2029 with an eye toward international expansion. “From our perspective, we’re always interested in growing our business. So if they were to put together an international package, we would, of course, be interested in having the conversation,” he said.
ESPN has also had “healthy” discussions with Major League Baseball about future packages after recently opting out of its current deal. On the UFC’s $7.7 billion agreement with Paramount, Pitaro noted that ESPN operates with discipline and acknowledges it “can’t have everything.” He stressed that the company’s singular focus on sports sets it apart from big tech competitors.
“If you’re a league and you sit down with big tech, you have to ask yourself, how committed are they to sports … whereas when we sit down with ESPN, this is what they do. They breathe this 24/7,” he said. “We’re united in that this is the best set of rights that we have ever had at ESPN. That said, we’re never satisfied.”
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