• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!
exclusive
Media

Roger Goodell Addresses ESPN Employees After NFL Deal

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addressed ESPN employees in a town hall meeting Wednesday via recorded video. WWE’s Paul “Triple H” Levesque also Zoomed in live. 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2024 Enshrinees Gold Jacket Dinner at the Canton Civic Center, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024.
Massillon Independent

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addressed ESPN employees in a recorded conversation during their company-wide town-hall meeting Wednesday, sources told Front Office Sports. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro also walked staffers through the details of the NFL equity deal and new WWE rights partnership.

The move has precedent. ESPN has brought in rights partners before to participate in town hall meetings on its corporate campus in Bristol, Conn.

Last week, ESPN announced it was acquiring NFL Network and various other assets, including the trademark for the NFL’s Red Zone branding and the NFL’s fantasy football platform. In return, the NFL will receive a 10% equity stake in ESPN. The NFL’s equity stake in ESPN has been estimated at $2.5 billion.

During the town hall meeting, Goodell expressed excitement about the partnership and the potential for ESPN’s forthcoming direct-to-consumer app, one source said.

There has been chatter in media circles that the relationship would erode ESPN’s journalistic independence. Goodell emphasized to ESPN employees that the league would not get involved in the network’s journalism, a source said.

In addition to Goodell, WWE chief content officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque also communicated with ESPN employees at the town hall via live video conference. Last week, ESPN announced WWE’s premium live events, including WrestleMania, will air live on the direct-to-consumer app beginning in 2026. ESPN’s deal with WWE is reportedly worth $325 million a year.

An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL’s 16-Game International Slate of Games Nears Reality

The league will play a record seven games outside the U.S. this season.

NFL on Nielsen’s Latest Measurement Upgrade: ‘More Work to Be Done’

The league calls its relationship with the agency a “protracted journey.”
Mike Gundy

OSU’s Gundy, Oregon’s Lanning Trade Barbs Over Alleged $30 Million Gap

Lanning ripped Gundy’s “excuse” and said “we spend to win.”

Featured Today

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.

Lee Corso’s Farewell Delivers Record ‘College GameDay’ Viewership

ESPN averaged 3.5 million viewers, per preliminary figures.
Tom Brady
August 27, 2025

NFL Continues to Loosen Tom Brady Restrictions

Brady will be able to attend production meetings–remotely–this season.
August 28, 2025

NFL Preseason Sees 17% Jump in TV Ratings, Best Since 2018

Average audiences for the exhibition games increase sharply from last year.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
ESPN
August 27, 2025

Disney Sues Sling TV Over $5 Day Passes Granting ESPN Access

Newly introduced short-term subscriptions spark a legal challenge.
August 27, 2025

FCC Chair Joins Fox–YouTube TV Fight With Big Game on the Line

The Trump appointee is now involved in another media carriage fight.
Aug 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tommy Fleetwood holds the FedExCup Trophy on the 18th green after winning the TOUR Championship golf tournament.
August 26, 2025

PGA Tour TV Ratings: Fleetwood’s Breakthrough Caps Playoff Surge

Sunday’s final round drew nearly 4.5 million viewers on NBC.
August 26, 2025

NFL Sunday Ticket Debuts Monthly Plan—but at a Steep Cost

Previously, fans had to purchase the service for the entire season.