
Disney Consolidates NFL Media, Secures ESPN Equity in Major Deal
Disney’s ESPN closes a deal to take control of NFL Network and other NFL Media assets, in exchange for a 10% stake in ESPN (Hearst retains 18%). The transaction values ESPN at about $30 billion, with a significant portion of the value deferred until late fiscal year 2033 and renegotiation options thereafter. Integration begins in 2026, with NFL Network folded into ESPN’s streaming service and NFL RedZone distributed to pay-TV providers by ESPN starting in the 2026 season; some NFL employees will move to ESPN in April, and fans are not expected to notice changes until the full deal takes effect over the coming years.



