In the dynamic world of media, two of the largest and most powerful entities in the world, the NFL and ESPN, have become even closer through a mega-deal.

ESPN, the so-called global leader in sports, will acquire the National Football League's content network, NFL Network, as well as the popular linear channel NFL Red Zone in exchange for 10% of the equity in the Bristol, Connecticut-based company.

With the agreement, ESPN increases its holdings in the most popular sports league in the United States, especially ahead of the launch of its new digital service, while the NFL acquires a significant stake in a media giant, in addition to expanding the distribution of its brand worldwide.

In addition to the transfer of NFL Network, the league announced Tuesday night of a second agreement with ESPN under which it will cede the rights to "certain content and other intellectual property" for use by NFL Network and other resources.

ESPN fantasy football product, the official game of the NFL

“These transactions between America’s most popular sports league and the world’s most innovative sports media leader are designed to set a new standard for how professional football is delivered, experienced and celebrated by fans,” the NFL’s announcement reads.

ESPN, which is owned by The Walt Disney Company, will also acquire the NFL’s fantasy football product and merge it with its own platform, making “ESPN Football Fantasy” the official game of the NFL.

NFL Network, launched in 2003 and which carries 24 hours of league content, including games, will be integrated into a new ESPN streaming product (launching soon for $29.99 per month) but will remain available on traditional TV providers. pay.

NFL Red Zone to ESPN for a “more enticing” experience

As for Red Zone, an immensely popular Sunday channel that showcases real-time highlights from every game of the week, will continue to be distributed by TV operators.

The NFL, according to the announcement, will continue to own, operate and produce NFL Red Zone, in addition to having the rights to its digital distribution. The league will also retain its other media businesses, including NFL Films, NFL.com, NFL+, the NFL Podcast Network, the NFL Fast Channel and the official sites of all 32 teams.

“Today’s announcement paves the way for the leading global sports media brand and America’s most popular sport to deliver an even more engaging experience for NFL fans in a way that only ESPN and Disney can,” Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said in the statement.

It is worth mentioning that ESPN had decided earlier this year to end its relationship with MLB as the owner of baseball broadcast rights, in the imminent end of an era. But two months ago it was reported that negotiations had resumed.