NFL In Talks With ESPN For Equity Stake In Sports Network, NFL Media May Be Part Of Any Deal – Reports

The National Football League and ESPN are reportedly in advanced talks about the league acquiring an equity stake in the sports network, according to reports by several media outlets. As part of the deal, ESPN would gain control of NFL Media, including NFL Network and NFL RedZone.

The reports said discussions have already been briefed to team owners and the Players Association.

ESPN and the league already have a working relationship. The network purchased the rights to 25 NFL games, which includes Monday Night Football, for about $2.6 billion per year.

ESPN has so far declined to comment. Questions on how editorial coverage of the league would be affected and the impact of ESPN Bet, the sports betting arm of the sports network’s parent The Walt Disney Co., are among the questions that need to be addressed.