ESPN could change NFL Redzone forever as $2 billion plan emerges

A "game-changer" deal for ESPN to buy NFL Media and its properties, including NFL Network and Redzone, is edging closer to completion.

The deal, which would have a seismic impact on both the Worldwide Leader and the league, could be worth as much as $2 billion and potentially could involve the NFL acquiring an ownership stake in ESPN.

After a period of stagnation, talks have heated up once again between ESPN and the NFL, and a deal that could define the broadcaster's future could be in sight.

ESPN is under pressure to add more content to its portfolio amid the seemingly inexorable shift to streaming from linear cable in the years to come.

By taking ownership of NFL Media and its assets, ESPN would be able to offer more to prospective subscribers, including eight games that have exclusively been screened on NFL Network under the current broadcasting arrangement.

Popular original programming and NFL Media talent would also become part of the ESPN family and the network could gain exclusive rights to broadcast the NFL Draft, which could deliver a significant boost in ESPN's competition against other direct-to-consumer streaming providers.

NFL Media's hugely popular fantasy football products would also come under ESPN ownership if a deal materializes, putting the network's brand in the hands of millions of football fans across the nation on their phones.

Sports media insider Andrew Marchand addressed the topic on his self-titled podcast, emphasizing the importance of the negotiations in regard to shaping ESPN's future.

When we look back in 10, 15 years if this deal goes down, this could be a very significant point for ESPNs growth when youre adding it all up, and were really in a full streaming world, Marchand said.

I think its pretty significant whether it happens in the next few months or not.

Marchand explained why the deal makes sense for ESPN rather than some of its competitors.

When you look at Netflix and Amazon, they dont necessarily need the NFL.

Those businesses arent based off the NFL, he said.

So if youre ESPN, you get that relationship even deeper for the long-term with the NFL.

I think it makes some sense, and it could be a game-changer.

While elements of the prospective deal are sure to be exciting for fans, the prospect of Redzone changing hands is sure to cause concern for its dedicated legion of viewers across the globe.

The show, which dynamically covers NFL games played in the early windows on Sundays, has built its brand on the slogan "seven hours of commercial-free football." But if the service were to land in ESPN's possession, the broadcaster would certainly consider opportunities to monetize what would be a crown jewel asset..

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