ESPN closes deal for NFL Network, rights for RedZone which gives the NFL a stake in the network

ESPN's purchase of NFL Network and other league digital assets has been finalized after government regulators approved the transaction.

The league and ESPN officially announced the closing of the deal Saturday night after the Justice Department and other non-US antitrust authorities completed their reviews.

ESPN acquired NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the RedZone channel to cable and satellite operators and the league will get a 10% equity stake in ESPN.

“With the closing, we will begin integrating NFL employees into ESPN in the months ahead," ESPN and the NFL said in a joint statement. "As we look to the future, NFL fans can look forward to expanded NFL programming, greater access to NFL Network, innovative Fantasy experiences and unparalleled coverage of America’s most popular sport."

The approval by government regulators was first reported by The Athletic.

Viewers are not expected to notice changes on NFL Network until April, when those employed by NFL Media become part of ESPN.

NFL Network — which has nearly 50 million subscribers — will be included in ESPN’s direct-to-consumer product, which launched last August, shortly after the deal was first announced.

The NFL RedZone channel will be distributed by ESPN to cable and satellite operators. However, the NFL will continue to own, operate and produce the channel as well as retain the rights to distribute the channel digitally. ESPN would also get rights to the RedZone brand, meaning RedZone channels for college football and basketball or other sports could be coming in the future.

NFL Fantasy Football will merge with ESPN Fantasy Football, giving ESPN the official fantasy football game of the league.

NFL Network will still air seven games per season. Four of ESPN’s games, including some that are in overlapping windows on Monday nights, will move to NFL Network. ESPN will license three additional games that will be carried on NFL Network.

The NFL has taken back the rights to four international games, which it is expected to put up for bid. The league has discussed each of its 32 teams playing at least one international game per season if the schedule expands to 18 regular-season games.

The league will continue to own and operate NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, the official websites of the 32 teams, the NFL Podcast Network and the NFL FAST Channel (a free ad-supported streaming channel).

With the sale, ESPN is 72% owned by ABC Inc. — an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company — 18% Hearst and 10% NFL.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

FILE - An ESPN Monday Night Football logo is viewed on a broadcast camera before an NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Kansas City Chiefs, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Thomas Harley and Wyatt Johnston each scored a power-play goal in the first period to lead the Dallas Stars over the Utah Mammoth 3-2 on Saturday night.

Matt Duchene also scored in the first to help Dallas wrap up a three-game trip with its fourth straight victory. Jamie Benn had two assists and Casey DeSmith made 12 saves for the Stars.

Kailer Yamamoto scored twice for Utah. JJ Peterka assisted on both goals, increasing his career total to 101 assists. Karel Vejmelka made 28 stops for the Mammoth, who had won four home games in a row.

Dallas converted twice on the power play to seize a 2-0 lead early in the first.

Harley’s close-range snap shot opened the scoring 2:11 into the game. Johnston tipped in the puck for his 29th goal of the season at 7:42.

Yamamoto got one back with 9:37 left in the period, firing the puck between two defenders. But the Stars made it 3-1 when Duchene snapped in a shot with 3:23 remaining in the first.

Yamamoto struck again on a wrist shot at the 6:41 of the third.

Utah generated only 14 shots on goal.

Stars: Host the Winnipeg Jets on Monday.

Mammoth: Host the Vancouver Canucks on Monday.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (24) faces off against Utah Mammoth center Kevin Stenlund, left, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)

Utah Mammoth left wing Daniil But (19) fights for the puck against Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)

Dallas Stars players fight for the puck against Utah Mammoth players during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95) shoots the puck against Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)

Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley looks to move the puck against the Utah Mammoth during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)