ESPN and NFL have pulled off the blockbuster commerce of 2025.
The 2 events have formally introduced a billion-dollar deal that can see the community purchase league media belongings, together with the favored RedZone present.
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In change, the NFL will obtain a ten % possession stake in ESPN, estimated by insiders to be price $2-3 billion.
The settlement was first reported final week, and sparked a frenzy amid soccer followers who’re notably fearful about the way forward for RedZone.
Hosted by Scott Hanson, the massively common channel has been owned and operated by NFL Community since 2009, and options ‘whip round’ simulcast protection of video games on each Sunday of the common season.
It beforehand boasted ‘seven hours of commercial-free soccer’ that featured each landing from each recreation within the early and late window.
RedZone is beloved by followers, and plenty of have pleaded with ESPN to maintain their arms off it in current days.
However Roger Goodell seems to produce other concepts.
RedZone growth teased after ESPN deal
The NFL commissioner on Wednesday hinted {that a} RedZone channel for faculty soccer may very well be within the works amid ESPN’s historic deal to accumulate the NFL Community.
“ESPN bought the RedZone title, and they’re going to be capable to make the most of that for different sports activities — faculty soccer and different issues,” Goodell mentioned.
“I feel that may very well be an thrilling factor for our followers additionally to see a RedZone, possibly in faculty soccer.
“That’s one thing that they now personal and have the power to try this.”
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RedZone plans slammed by followers
Regardless of Goodell’s suggestion that increasing RedZone protection will likely be thrilling, the timing of his feedback have not gone down properly.
“Not even a day after the announcement and so they’re already ****ing it up,” one fan wrote on social media.
“ESPN already attempting to mess this up. No want to alter something,” one other mentioned.
“No, that is horrible. Already speaking about including extra sports activities to RedZone! Smh,” a 3rd responded.
“Lower than 24 hours. Informed you they’d **** it up,” a fourth concluded.
Clearly, ESPN and the NFL may have work to do if they’re to maintain followers on aspect — and it seems they’ve already misplaced some inside at some point of saying the deal.
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Regardless of sharing hopes of increasing RedZone past the NFL, Goodell additionally confirmed that the league’s model of this system will stay the identical on ESPN.
“It would proceed to be produced proper right here on this constructing,” he mentioned from the NFL Community’s broadcast studio.
“Will probably be the NFL RedZone.
“I don’t assume followers will see any distinction to that.”
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