ESPN Archives - National Football Post

Government OKs ESPN’s blockbuster deal for NFL Network from league

Posted on 1 February 2026 | by Field Level Media

Government regulators approved ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network, linear rights to the NFL RedZone Channel and other league media assets in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN, the NFL and ESPN announced late Saturday night.

The blockbuster deal was formally announced last August pending reviews by the Justice Department and other non-US antitrust authorities, which are now complete.

“With the closing, we will begin integrating NFL employees into ESPN in the months ahead,” ESPN and the NFL said in a joint statement. “As we look to the future, NFL fans can look forward to expanded NFL programming, greater access to NFL Network, innovative Fantasy experiences and unparalleled coverage of America’s most popular sport.”

The deal will bring major NFL media properties under the Disney-owned network and expand ESPN’s football offerings across both traditional and streaming platforms.

The National Football League gave up 100% ownership of the NFL Network for 10% of ESPN, which is valued in billions of dollars.

Under the agreement, NFL Network and RedZone will be integrated into ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service while remaining available via cable and satellite. The RedZone brand could translate to a similar offering in other sports to which ESPN has broadcast rights.

NFL Fantasy will merge with ESPN Fantasy, creating the official season-long fantasy platform of the league.

As part of a second agreement between the sides, ESPN will also gain rights to license three additional NFL games per season for 28 total. Seven of those games will be broadcast on NFL Network — these three new ones and four that will shift from ESPN to NFL Network. The NFL doubleheaders on Monday nights will cease, while NFL Network again will have four international games for a total of seven games each season.

The merger does not impact coverage of Super Bowl LX next week, with viewers unlikely to see changes until April at the earliest, when NFL Media employees become part of ESPN.

The NFL will retain ownership of key properties including NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com and the NFL Podcast Network, and will continue producing and distributing the digital version of RedZone independently

–Field Level Media

NBC, ESPN set network records for divisional-round games

Posted on 22 January 2026 | by Field Level Media

NBC and ESPN/ABC followed CBS’ lead by drawing record numbers for their respective NFL divisional-round games.

On Thursday, NBC announced that it averaged 45.4 million viewers for the Los Angeles Rams’ 20-17 overtime victory over the Chicago Bears.

That number from Sunday’s game represented an 8% increase from a comparable contest in last year’s playoffs.

It also marked the most-watched NFL divisional-round broadcast in the network’s history, surpassing a 1994 game when the Kansas City Chiefs rallied with a 21-point fourth quarter to earn a 28-20 victory over the then-Houston Oilers.

Earlier on Sunday, the New England Patriots secured a 28-16 victory over the visiting Houston Texans in an AFC divisional-round game that averaged 37.9 million viewers on ESPN and ABC. That served as the most-watched event in ESPN history, dating back to the network’s launch in 1979. It’s also the best for any sporting event on ABC outside of a Super Bowl.

The Texans-Patriots game peaked at 44.9 million late in the second half, per ESPN.

CBS drew its best Saturday audience for an NFL contest when an average of 39.6 million viewers tuned into watch the Denver Broncos’ 33-30 overtime victory over the visiting Buffalo Bills.

The game peaked at 51.3 million viewers while in overtime, making it the most-watched Saturday program on any network since the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.

–Field Level Media

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day presents Lee Corso with a helmet beside Kirk Herbstreit on the set of ESPN College GameDay prior to the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025.

Lee Corso’s farewell drives record ‘College GameDay’ ratings

Posted on 2 September 2025 | by Field Level Media

Lee Corso’s farewell to “College GameDay” was the most-watched episode of the ESPN Saturday morning staple in its nearly 40-year history.

ESPN averaged 3.5 million viewers during the show on Saturday, preliminary Nielsen ratings show. It was broadcast from Columbus, Ohio, before the season opener between No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State. The Buckeyes won 14-7.

The show also aired on ESPNU.

ESPN reported that the ratings for the final 15 minutes of the show reached a record 5.1 million viewers. That’s the section of the show during which Corso famously made his prediction — who would win the game to be played in the city from which “GameDay” was airing — by putting on headgear representing his predicted victor.

His final headgear choice was the first as the same one when the tradition began in 1996: the Buckeyes. For the record, it was the 46th time he put on the Ohio State mascot head, and the Buckeyes were 32-14.

Corso, 90, spent 15 seasons as a college head coach at Louisville, Indiana and Northern Illinois before joining “College GameDay” in its first season in 1987.

The show heads to Norman, Okla., ahead of the game between Michigan and Oklahoma, on Saturday for its first episode without Corso as a member of the team.

–Field Level Media

Nov 27, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Chase Daniel (4) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Report: Chase Daniel joining ESPN as CFB analyst

Posted on 19 August 2025 | by Field Level Media

Former Missouri star quarterback Chase Daniel will return to the college football scene by working as a color commentator for ESPN, Front Office Sports reported Tuesday.

Daniel will partner with play-by-play announcer Clay Matvick. He’ll debut on Aug. 30 when Pitt hosts FCS Duquesne. He will also work in the studio as an NFL analyst.

Daniel, 38, is three years removed from his last work as an NFL player, when he was Justin Herbert’s backup on the Los Angeles Chargers and got into four games in 2022, throwing for one touchdown in relief.

He was a journeyman who served as a backup for the New Orleans Saints (2010-12, 2017), Kansas City Chiefs (2013-15), Philadelphia Eagles (2016), Chicago Bears (2018-19), Detroit Lions (2020) and Chargers (2021-22). Of his 74 games in the league, only five were starts, three coming for the Bears. He totaled 1,746 passing yards, nine TDs and seven interceptions.

Daniel is perhaps better known for his four-year college career at Missouri, where a stellar junior year in 2007 led him to win the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award and finish fourth in Heisman Trophy voting. That season, he racked up 4,306 passing yards, 33 touchdowns and 11 picks while adding four touchdowns on the ground.

This won’t be Daniel’s first media gig — he appeared as a co-host of the FS1 show “The Facility” that’s since been canceled, and he’s done studio work for NFL Network and a podcast for The Athletic.

–Field Level Media

Sep 12, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Rich Eisen emcees the SoFi Stadium opening ceremonies. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Rich Eisen making rare return to ‘SportsCenter’ desk

Posted on 18 August 2025 | by Field Level Media

Former ESPN anchor Rich Eisen returns to host “SportsCenter” for the first time in more than 20 years on Monday night.

The special appearance on the 11 p.m. ET edition will follow the network’s “Monday Night Football” broadcast of the Cincinnati Bengals-Washington Commanders preseason game.

Eisen, 56, developed into a popular ESPN anchor from 1996-2003 before leaving to join the brand-new NFL Network in November 2003.

During his cameo appearance on the desk Monday, Eisen will be joined on the set live from Los Angeles by ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes.

Earlier this month, ESPN announced a non-binding agreement to acquire NFL Network and other media assets controlled by the NFL, including the RedZone Channel, in exchange for a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN.

In addition, it was announced this spring that Eisen’s popular weekday afternoon talk show — “The Rich Eisen Show” — will move from Roku to ESPN+ and Disney+ on Sept. 2.

–Field Level Media

FOX Sports' Big Noon Kickoff college football analyst Matt Leinart throws up a pair of Guns Up — the hand gesture of Texas Tech University — on Nov. 8, 2024 in Lubbock.

Report: Fox unlikely to license Big Ten, Big 12 games to CFB ‘RedZone’

Posted on 14 August 2025 | by Field Level Media

The possibility of a new college football RedZone channel being launched has hit a hurdle, according to a report from Front Office Sports.

Fox is unlikely to license its college football programming, select Big Ten and Big 12 games, to ESPN to make a comprehensive College Football RedZone channel unless it is lumped into a sizable ownership portion of the channel, per FOS.

Shortly after the NFL acquired a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN earlier this month, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell openly discussed the possibility of expanding the NFL RedZone programming to introduce a college football RedZone channel.

Much like the NFL’s version but on a larger scale, a college football version would bounce between each game to find the most important moments, plays and storylines across the 10+ college football games that are played simultaneously during each television window on Saturdays.

However, the hurdle to this being a comprehensive channel which has access to all games is that ESPN only has the broadcasting rights to SEC, most of the ACC and some Big 12 games, the latter of which it splits with Fox.

In order to be able to include all games on a college football RedZone channel, ESPN would need to strike deals with Fox, NBC (which has a portion of the Big Ten’s games along with Notre Dame) and CBS, which also broadcasts Big Ten games after losing the SEC to ESPN starting in the 2024 season.

Fox, NBC and CBS are entering the third year of a deal which has the three networks combining to pay the Big Ten about $1 billion a year in order to split the broadcasting rights for Big Ten games.

-Field Level Media

Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) talks with reporter Lisa Salters after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

ESPN adds second sideline reporter to ‘MNF’ teams

Posted on 12 August 2025 | by Field Level Media

ESPN is adding a second voice to its “Monday Night Football” broadcast teams for the 2025 season.

The network said Tuesday that longtime NFL studio host and reporter Laura Rutledge will join Lisa Salters on the sidelines for all 20 games that feature Joe Buck and Troy Aikman in the booth.

ESPN also announced a contract extension for Salters, who has been with ESPN and ABC since 2000 and will enter her 14th season on the “Monday Night Football” broadcast. Rutledge signed an extension earlier this year, and she will continue to host “NFL Live” and the Saturday morning show, “SEC Nation.”

The second ESPN crew also is gaining a pair of permanent sideline reporters — Peter Schrager, previously a sideline reporter with Fox and NFL Network, and Katie George, who has been a top ESPN and ABC college football sideline reporter. They are joining the team of Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky and Louis Riddick on weeks when there are two Monday night games.

ESPN is beginning to put all of its pieces in place as it prepares to host its first Super Bowl — Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14, 2027.

The “Monday Night Football” season kicks off Sept. 8 when the Minnesota Vikings meet the Bears in Chicago, with the Buck-Aikman crew on the call.

Both broadcast teams will be in action on Sept. 15, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans play the early game, followed by the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders.

–Field Level Media

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell points to a fan in the crowd during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft runs through April 26.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Reports: ESPN extends NFL draft rights through 2030

Posted on 6 August 2025 | by Field Level Media

ESPN will remain the home of the NFL draft through 2030, multiple media outlets reported on Wednesday.

ESPN’s draft rights had expired after the 2025 event in Green Bay.

The extension came in the wake of this week’s news that ESPN is selling a 10 percent equity stake to the NFL.

The NFL confirmed a “multi-year extension” on Wednesday but did not provide a specific end date.

The year 2030 is significant as it will mark the 50th edition of the draft on ESPN, which launched in 1979 and began broadcasting the event the following year.

Starting with the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Disney+ and Hulu will also begin streaming draft coverage.

–Field Level Media

ESPN finalizes acquisition of NFL Network, RedZone for 10% equity

Posted on 6 August 2025 | by Field Level Media

ESPN and the National Football League on Tuesday formally announced an agreement in which ESPN will acquire NFL Network, the linear NFL RedZone Channel and NFL Fantasy in exchange for a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN.

The deal, pending final approval by NFL owners and other conditions, will bring major NFL media properties under the Disney-owned network and expand ESPN’s football offerings across both traditional and streaming platforms.

“Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “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. The Network’s sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.”

Under the agreement, NFL Network and RedZone will be integrated into ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service while remaining available via cable and satellite. NFL Fantasy would merge with ESPN Fantasy, creating the official season-long fantasy platform of the league.

As part of a second agreement between the sides, ESPN will also gain rights to license three additional NFL games per season, while four games will shift from ESPN to NFL Network.

“This is an exciting day for sports fans,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “By combining these NFL media assets with ESPN’s reach and innovation, we’re creating a premier destination for football fans. Together, ESPN and the NFL are redefining how fans engage with the game–anytime, anywhere. This deal helps fuel ESPN’s digital future, laying the foundation for an even more robust offering as we prepare to launch our new direct-to-consumer service.”

–Field Level Media

Report: ESPN to acquire RedZone, other NFL properties

Posted on 1 August 2025 | by Field Level Media

ESPN has reached a deal with the NFL to purchase RedZone, NFL Network and other league holdings, The Athletic reported on Friday.

The NFL will receive equity in ESPN that “is potentially worth billions” in exchange, according to the report. An official announcement is expected next week, ending a four-year period of complicated, on-and-off negotiations.

Both sides declined to provide comment to The Athletic.

In addition to RedZone and NFL Network, ESPN will gain access to seven more regular-season games and the NFL’s fantasy football operations, as well as the potential to integrate sports betting and other special features.

The NFL’s equity stake in ESPN could be as much as 10 percent, CNBC first reported and The Athletic confirmed.

An ESPN-NFL deal would require regulatory approval, a process that could take up to a year to complete.

The two sides already have a cozy relationship. ESPN pays the NFL about $2.7 billion per year to air a total of 25 games, including “Monday Night Football.” The network also holds the rights to the Super Bowls in 2027 and 2031.

Friday’s reported agreement comes as ESPN is preparing to launch its direct-to-consumer service, with subscribers paying $29.99 per month to bypass cable and satellite providers to view all of the network’s programming through the ESPN app.

–Field Level Media