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ESPN to Acquire NFL Network and Other Media Assets From the NFL

The NFL and ESPN have reached an agreement wherein the sports network will purchase the NFL Network along with other league-owned media properties, including as the well-known RedZone and NFL Fantasy.

The NFL will receive 10% of ESPN's stock.  According to a statement from the firm, the NFL fantasy product will be improved and its reach expanded when the all-sports network incorporates it into its current fantasy platform.

"Today’s announcement paves the way for the world’s leading sports media brand and America’s most popular sport to deliver an even more compelling experience for NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can,” said Disney CEO Robert Iger. 

“Commissioner Goodell and the NFL have built outstanding media assets, and these transactions will add to consumer choice, provide viewers with even greater convenience and quality, and expand the breadth and value proposition of Disney’s streaming ecosystem.”

ESPN Adds Three NFL Games

NFL Network will be owned and run by ESPN, which also intends to incorporate it into its next direct-to-consumer offering.  The Walt Disney Company owns a portion of the business.  RedZone will become a part of The Walt Disney Company's portfolio of linear networks.

A second deal was also revealed by the corporations.  Along with other assets and intellectual property, the NFL will license NFL programming to ESPN.  Three more NFL games will be licensed by ESPN's platforms to be broadcast on NFL Network per season.  Four NFL games will be moved to the NFL Network, which will still broadcast seven games a season, as part of an overall NFL game schedule adjustment by ESPN.  ESPN is also licensed NFL Films programming.

“Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Whether it was debuting “Thursday Night Football,” televising the combine, or telling incredible football stories through original shows and breaking news, NFL Network has delivered. 

Merging Sports Betting and Fantasy Sports

“The Network’s sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways,” Goodell said.

The news was made just days after ESPN Bet unveiled FanCenter, a new user experience that combines sports betting and fantasy sports.

A customized hub within ESPN Bet is the feature.  Using their preferred teams, players, and ESPN fantasy football rosters, fans can quickly locate game markets, carefully chosen player props, and personalized parlay offerings.

ESPN and ESPN Bet's account linking technology powers the new hub.

“FanCenter introduces a completely new level of personalization for ESPN BET players and represents our biggest product leap yet,” said Penn Entertainment CTO Aaron LaBerge. “It taps into our players’ fandom in smart, creative ways while connecting seamlessly with ESPN’s industry-leading fantasy football platform. This is what sets ESPN BET apart, and football season is the perfect time to roll it out.”

FanCenter merges fantasy sports with sports betting.