The landscape of NFL Sundays could transform dramatically in the coming years. ESPN is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire major NFL Media properties, including NFL Network and the beloved NFL RedZone. In exchange for what could be a 10% equity stake in ESPN, the NFL stands to receive billions of dollars. While the deal hasn’t been finalized, it’s already generating significant speculation about the future of football broadcasting.
Will NFL RedZone Remain Available Through the 2025 Season?
Fans can breathe easy for now. NFL RedZone will continue operating normally throughout the 2025 season, remaining accessible through traditional cable and satellite packages, NFL+, YouTube TV, and other streaming platforms. The familiar Sunday experience isn’t going anywhere just yet.
However, major changes loom on the horizon. Depending on regulatory approval, this blockbuster deal is expected to close before the 2026 NFL season begins. Once completed, RedZone would likely become a cornerstone of ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service, which is set to launch at $29.99 per month.
Blockbuster deal: The NFL & ESPN have reached an agreement that gives ESPN access to RedZone, NFL Network, seven more regular-season games, fantasy football rights, and more — in exchange for equity in ESPN potentially worth billions, per @AndrewMarchand.https://t.co/Rrnk41BZIx pic.twitter.com/dPoxcPSBPD
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 1, 2025
This consolidation could revolutionize how fans consume NFL content. Instead of juggling multiple subscriptions and platform bundles, everything NFL-related might exist under one digital roof. RedZone, NFL Network programming, fantasy football tools, and additional regular-season games could all live within ESPN’s new streaming ecosystem. Think of it as creating the ultimate one-stop destination for Sunday football consumption.
What makes this particularly significant is RedZone’s unique appeal. Hosted by Scott Hanson, the channel delivers uninterrupted, commercial-free coverage of every touchdown and crucial play across the league. This format has transformed countless casual viewers into passionate NFL fans, making the broadcast experience as compelling as watching their favorite team’s actual game.
How Will ESPN’s Acquisition Change NFL Network Programming?
The deal extends far beyond RedZone alone. ESPN is positioned to absorb NFL Network’s entire programming slate, including popular shows like “Good Morning Football” and “NFL GameDay Kickoff.” The network is also exploring opportunities to integrate additional NFL personalities across ESPN’s broader platform ecosystem, similar to how the company manages college football coverage through the SEC Network.
This means RedZone isn’t disappearing from the football landscape. Instead, by 2026, it could become part of a comprehensive ESPN streaming package, operating independently from Disney+ while offering a more streamlined and immersive football viewing experience.
For the immediate future, fans can enjoy the 2025 season without any disruptions to their current viewing habits. But this deal deserves close attention because once regulatory approval comes through, the way millions of people experience NFL Sundays could receive a major upgrade that changes everything about football broadcasting.