There is optimism that the ESPN takeover of NFL Media can close in April—and therefore in time to take advantage of synergies for the 2026-27 season, when ESPN has the rights to the Super Bowl—industry sources told Front Office Sports.
Last August, the two sides announced that ESPN plans to acquire a collection of assets from the league, including NFL Network, pending regulatory approval from President Donald Trump’s justice department. The NFL would also be acquiring a 10% stake in ESPN in the deal.
Spokespeople for ESPN and NFL Media declined to comment.
ESPN and NFL Media have been preparing for two different timelines based on when the government approves the deal—if it’s approved—sources said.
If the deal does get done by April, ESPN could take over the assets in time for next season. If the deal hits a snag and does not get approved until later in the year, ESPN would not take over until January 1, 2027.
The reason for the different timelines is that the deal’s closure—or lack thereof—affects the NFL TV schedule. If the deal clears early enough, ESPN would relinquish Monday Night Football doubleheaders, but have a new inventory of 28 total NFL games per season (not including the Super Bowl). The NFL would also have four additional games, coming from NFL Network inventory, to bring to market and sell to other networks and/or streamers.
While Trump and the NFL have been at odds on numerous occasions in their respective histories, the most recent public showing was a united front, as the president announced in May that the 2027 NFL Draft would take place in Washington D.C. On the other hand, Trump has been at odds with ABC News, ESPN’s sister company under the Disney umbrella.
Sources said that ESPN executives recently did a site visit at NFL Network’s studios near SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles area. The network is very excited about harnessing the facility if the deal clears regulatory muster. The site visit would be relevant for either of the deal closure timelines previously discussed.
ESPN and ABC will air the Super Bowl at SoFi in early 2027.
