NFL Network Employees Transition to ESPN in Major Media Deal

Commissioner Roger Goodell sends farewell message as NFL Media assets officially move to new home.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:08pm

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a memo to NFL Network employees before the network's official transition to ESPN on Wednesday. The move comes after ESPN acquired NFL Media assets, including the NFL Network and RedZone channel, in a multi-billion-dollar deal that gives the league a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN. Goodell thanked NFL Network staff for their work over the past two decades and encouraged those making the move to ESPN.

Why it matters

The integration of NFL Media properties into ESPN represents a significant shift in the media landscape for professional football. This deal allows the league to leverage ESPN's massive reach and resources to better serve the insatiable appetite of NFL fans for year-round news, analysis, and coverage.

The details

The government-approved deal gives ESPN control over NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and other league media assets. Some prominent NFL Network personalities have already signed deals to stay with the ESPN-owned properties as part of the transition.

  • The multi-billion-dollar deal between the NFL and ESPN was approved by government regulators two months ago.
  • The official transition of NFL Media assets to ESPN will take place on Wednesday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Roger Goodell

The Commissioner of the National Football League, who issued a farewell message to NFL Network employees ahead of the transition to ESPN.

ESPN

The major sports media company that has acquired NFL Media assets, including the NFL Network and RedZone channel, in a multi-billion-dollar deal that gives the league a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN.

NFL Media

The collection of media properties owned and operated by the National Football League, including the NFL Network and RedZone channel.

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What they’re saying

“In 2003, we had an idea. Many skeptics doubted there was demand for a network featuring round-the-clock, yearlong NFL news, information, and analysis. But we knew our fans. We knew if we built it, they would come. The team at NFL Network has accomplished something remarkable over the past two decades… It is no surprise that the fruits of your labor would be attractive to an industry leader like ESPN as they look to serve the insatiable appetites of NFL fans.”

— Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner

“Tomorrow begins a new chapter for NFL Media, NFL Network and many of you. To those remaining with NFL Media to evolve our key fan-facing platforms - from our website, apps and content productions across YouTube, FAST and podcasts, to NFL RedZone - please know how much we appreciate you. You will lead NFL Media into this next chapter. To those heading to ESPN, we offer a heartfelt thank you. We have no doubt that you will continue to drive unparalleled coverage of the NFL. And whether you are transitioning or staying, each of you will keep contributing to our greater football story, building on the relationships, sacrifice and teamwork that made this moment possible.”

— Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner

What’s next

Some prominent NFL Network personalities have already signed deals to stay with the ESPN-owned properties as part of the transition, but it remains to be seen how the full integration of NFL Media assets into ESPN will unfold over the coming months.

The takeaway

This landmark deal between the NFL and ESPN represents a strategic move by the league to leverage the massive reach and resources of a major media partner to better serve the insatiable demand for year-round NFL content and coverage. The transition of NFL Network to ESPN is a significant shift in the sports media landscape that will shape how millions of fans consume professional football news and analysis in the years to come.