NFL Films’ new joint venture with Skydance Media (its big hit this year isTop Gun: Maverick) seeks to extend the league’s cultural dominance into new media landscapes, such as anime, cooking shows and foreign productions, reports SBJ’s Ben Fisher. This comes as the NFL just wrapped up a high-profile game in Germany and prepares for " Monday Night Football " in Mexico City.
“The NFL has a desire to always expand its fans, so fan development is a big part of this venture,” said NFL Films VP/Business Affairs Jessica Boddy, a key figure on the deal team. “There's a real opportunity to capture fans globally and providing content around those experiences we continue to spread around the world,” Boddy said.
The NFL means business with this venture, with a “substantial” contribution into the new company from 32 Equity, its $1B-plus strategic investment fund. Terms were not disclosed, but 32 Equity’s involvement (it holds stakes in Endeavor, Fanatics, and Genius Sports) suggests it’s a meaningful amount and a strategy that matters to NFL stakeholders. The new company’s leadership and pace of production are yet to be determined, Boddy said.
Nothing changes at NFL Films, as it’ll continue producing unscripted documentaries, features and highlight reels.
