ESPN will acquire NFL Network and related media assets — including NFL RedZone and NFL Fantasy — in exchange for granting the National Football League a 10% equity stake in ESPN.

The transformative agreement, announced on Aug. 5, aims to consolidate football media under ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer service while expanding fan access.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell noted the legacy of the NFL Network over the last 22 years.

“Its sale to ESPN builds on our remarkable history, providing more football in innovative ways,” Goodell said.

Under the pending deal, ESPN will acquire NFL Network’s linear and digital operations and integrate them fully into ESPN’s standalone streaming platform, which will launch Aug. 21. NFL RedZone will join Disney’s linear network portfolio for traditional

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