Talks between the NFL and ESPN are “back on” as the league looks into selling its assets of NFL Network, NFL Redzone, NFL.com and its fantasy business, according to John Ourand of PUCK. It is “too early to predict whether a deal will be struck,” but ESPN’s plan to launch its DTC product has “provided some renewed momentum.” The two sides have discussed the parameters of a deal that would have ESPN “take control of NFL Network and NFL RedZone.” Ourand wrote this “makes sense for ESPN, which already programs a host of 24/7 channels, and would be able to synergize the additional programming and related costs.” NFL Network and NFL RedZone could also “help the brand’s negotiations with cable and satellite distributors and elevate ESPN’s status” as a preferred media partner of the league. More importantly for ESPN, the NFL channels “add programming to Flagship, which is expected to launch this fall.” The NFL’s fantasy offering, which would also be part of the deal, would “be a big attraction as well.” In addition, the exit opportunity would “unburden the NFL from carrying a rare declining asset on its balance sheet” (PUCK, 2/10).
NFL reopens talks with ESPN on purchase of league media assets
