Are you ready for a acquisition: ESPN acquires NFL Network

[only1moore]

ESPN to Acquire NFL Network and Other Media Assets from the NFL in Exchange for a 10% Equity Stake in ESPN

media.nfl.com

 

[Don CT]

Worst kept secret, now it’s official.

 

[Don CT]

The NFL also supposedly got a 10% stake in CBS after the Skydance Merger.

NFL reportedly gets stake in CBS through Skydance

ESPN is not the only NFL rightsholder that will be partially owned by the league, as the league has reportedly acquired a stake in CBS.

www.sportsmediawatch.com

 

[Mediafrog+]

Deal has now closed:

NFL And ESPN Close Deal Sending NFL Network, Other Media Assets To ESPN In Exchange For $3B Outlay For 10% Stake

The NFL and ESPN have closed a deal that will see the NFL Network and other league media assets controlled by the Disney sports division.

deadline.com

 

[Don CT]

I’m hoping NFL Network gets to keep its identity and remain independent of ESPNs influence.

 

[Larry]

I’m hoping NFL Network gets to keep its identity and remain independent of ESPNs influence.

I was thinking about the opposite. There have always been questions about how objectively ESPN could report on the NFL on issues such as player (and former player) brain injuries/trauma. With the NFL now owning 10% of ESPN will ESPN’s reporting on the NFL be even more in question.

 

[Don CT]

I was thinking about the opposite. There have always been questions about how objectively ESPN could report on the NFL on issues such as player (and former player) brain injuries/trauma. With the NFL now owning 10% of ESPN will ESPN’s reporting on the NFL be even more in question.

I’d be more concerned if I’m the other leagues.