NFL Network will be owned by ESPN, which will also be in charge of the operation, in addition to controlling the linear and digital rights of the chain.
ESPN acquired NFL Network and other media assets of the National Football League (NFL)including the linear rights of the popular channel Redzone of the League, in an agreement that will grant the NFL a 10% participation in the sports chainas announced this Tuesday night.
ESPN will also acquire the NFL fantasy product and will merge it with its existing platform, turning to ESPN Fantasy Football In the official game of the NFL. In a separate agreement, the NFL also agreed to graduate other content to ESPN and intellectual property of the NFL that will appear in NFL Network and other assets.
NFL Network will be owned by ESPNwhich will also be in charge of the operation, in addition to controlling the linear and digital rights of the chain. NFL Network It will be integrated into the next direct streaming product to the consumer of ESPN And it will continue to be available to traditional payment television suppliers.
“When combining These NFL media assets with ESPN's reach and innovationwe are creating a first level destination for American football fans, “said ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro, in a statement.” Together, together, ESPN and the NFL They are redefining the way in which fans interact with sport, at any time and anywhere. This agreement promotes the digital future of ESPNlaying the foundations for an even more solid offer while preparing for the launch of our new direct consumer service. ”
ESPN platforms will also graduate three additional NFL games By season, which will add a total of 28. NFL Network It will continue to transmit seven games per season, and some games will move to NFL Network from the original programming of ESPN. The dates or the matches were not announced. All parties owned by ESPN will be transmitted in linear format and on the direct platform to the consumer of ESPN.
According to a joint statement, ESPN will possess the general rights of Redzoneincluding the registered trademark, and will continue to distribute the channel to payment television operators. The NFL will continue to be the owner, operator and producer of the channel Redzone and will retain digital distribution rights.
The League will also remain the owner and operator of some of its media businesses, such as NFL Films and NFL.com.
“Today's announcement (Monday) paves the way for the world leading brand of sports media and most popular sport in the United States offer an even more attractive experience to fans of the NFLlike alone ESPN y Disney They can, “he said Robert A. Iger, Executive Director of The Walt Disney Companyin a statement. “The Commissioner Goodell and the NFL have created exceptional media assets, and these transactions will expand the consumer's offer, will provide the spectators greater comfort and quality, and expand the amplitude and value proposition of the value of the streaming ecosystem of Disney“.
“Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network He has provided millions of fans unprecedented to the sport they love, “said the NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodellin a statement. “Whether it premiering Thursday Night Football, televising the combine or telling incredible American football stories through original programs and last minute news, NFL Network has fulfilled. The sale of the chain to ESPN will consolidate this extraordinary legacy, offering more American football of the NFL to more fans of new and innovative ways. “
In May, ESPN He announced that its streaming service will be launched at the beginning of autumn with a price of $ 29.99 per month and keep the name of the linear chain: ESPN.
This direct consumer service will allow users to access the seven NATIONAL LINEAR CHAINS OF ESPN, in addition to ESPN in ABC and other streaming options.
