NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell joined NFL Network’s “The Insiders” to thank the network as ownership of the net prepares to transition to ESPN on Wednesday as part of the network buying NFL Network and RedZone Channel. Goodell said the network has been “such a big part of our growth” and added the league is “glad to see it in the hands of ESPN,” which will “make it bigger and better for our fans.” He called the transition “bittersweet,” saying much that happened in the NFL “would not have happened without the men and women who helped build the network.” Goodell said he was not sure if there would be “Thursday Night Football” without the NFL Network, which debuted the broadcast in 2006. Goodell added he hopes to see “continued growth” in the network moving forward. He noted more fans will “get the opportunity to see you, and that’s good for our fans but it’s also good for all of you and I think it’s good for the NFL” (“The Insiders,” NFL Network, 3/31).
NOTE TO STAFF: SBJ’s Austin Karp reported that Goodell sent a note to the NFL Media employees who will be impacted by the move. Sources told SBJ that no immediate talent move announcements are expected to be announced Wednesday, but that some well-known names at NFL Network have already signed deals to stay aboard. Sources added there will be a noticeable crossover of talent and content between ESPN and NFL Network (Austin Karp, SBJ).
