ESPN completes a massive $1 billion deal for RedZone control, causing widespread fan disapproval, as reported by Scott Hanson.
NFL RedZone Moves to ESPN, Remains Commercial-Free
In a significant move for NFL fans, the popular NFL RedZone channel is set to transition to ESPN under a new partnership announced recently. The deal promises a more compelling experience for NFL enthusiasts, as ESPN takes over the channel, along with other NFL media assets such as NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, the NFL Podcast Network, the NFL FAST Channel, and the official sites for the league's 32 teams.
The first edition of NFL RedZone under ESPN's ownership will take place in a little over a month. Fans can look forward to seeing live highlights from every NFL game as they happen, just as they have come to expect from the channel.
One concern for some fans has been the potential addition of commercials on NFL RedZone, but Scott Hanson, the show's host, has confirmed that the channel will remain commercial-free. This news has relieved many fans who were concerned about a change in the channel's core format.
ESPN's acquisition includes broad rights to the NFL RedZone brand and plans to distribute the channel as part of traditional pay-TV packages and ESPN's upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service. The NFL retains a 10% equity stake in ESPN as part of the arrangement, reflecting ongoing collaboration but without changing RedZone’s core format.
Scott Hanson, known for his role as the host of NFL RedZone, will continue in that position, a fact that has been welcomed by fans. In a tweet about the new partnership, Hanson referred to Adam Schefter, a well-known NFL analyst, as his colleague. Schefter replied with the phrase "My honor."
NFL RedZone offers a unique viewing experience for fans, allowing them to see all major plays from the gridiron in one medium without having to channel surf. With the move to ESPN, the channel is expected to integrate into the broader sports media offerings and digital platforms of the network.
The NFL will also continue to operate NFL Fantasy as part of the deal. As the regular season approaches, fans can look forward to a new era of NFL RedZone on ESPN, with the same commercial-free, live-action-cut format that they have come to love.
[1] ESPN to Acquire NFL Network, Including RedZone Channel and Other Media Assets, The Walt Disney Company, www.thewaltdisneycompany.com/news/2022/04/espn-to-acquire-nfl-network-including-redzone-channel-and-other-media-assets
[2] NFL and ESPN Announce Multiyear Media Rights Agreement, National Football League, www.nfl.com/news/nfl-and-espn-announce-multiyear-media-rights-agreement
[3] NFL RedZone, ESPN, www.espn.com/watch/nfl-redzone
[4] NFL RedZone, NFL.com, www.nfl.com/redzone
[1] The acquisition by ESPN also encompasses the NFL Network, including NFL RedZone, promises a more integrated sports and digital media experience for fans.
[2] As part of the new media rights agreement, NFL RedZone will continue to deliver live highlights from every NFL game, remaining commercial-free on both traditional pay-TV packages and ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming service.
[3] Moreover, with the addition of other NFL media assets like NFL Films, the NFL Podcast Network, and the NFL FAST Channel, ESPN's American football coverage is expected to expand significantly, catering to an array of audiences and preferences within the sports business landscape.
