ESPN Acquires NFL RedZone Rights, Goodell Assures Production Stability

ESPN has officially acquired the rights to distribute NFL Network and NFL RedZone, obtaining a 10 percent stake in the network, while NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has assured fans that the beloved NFL RedZone will remain unchanged in content and production. Goodell emphasized that NFL RedZone will continue to be produced in-house by NFL Media, with Scott Hanson remaining as host, ensuring the viewing experience stays consistent despite ESPN's involvement. ESPN's acquisition of the RedZone brand also opens the possibility for RedZone-style programming to be developed for other sports, including college football and potentially the NBA, which could excite fans and expand the brand's reach. Goodell highlighted the ongoing evolution and innovation in the NFL-ESPN partnership, including expanded rights to the NFL Draft and increased international exposure for the sport. Disney CFO Hugh Johnston noted that talks between ESPN and the NFL had been ongoing for nearly a decade, with the timing now right to bring the media assets together. Although there will be no immediate changes to NFL RedZone, ESPN's ownership of the brand provides opportunities for new content formats in other sports in the future.