ESPN and the NFL are reportedly ‘inside the five-yard line’ in negotiations over a deal that could leave football fans furious.
The two parties are said to be inching closer to an agreement that would see the network acquire a significant portion of NFL media, including the RedZone Channel, according to The Athletic.
In addition to RedZone, which simultaneously broadcasts all the best action from across the league’s Sunday slates, ESPN is reportedly also in line to acquire the NFL Network and seven regular-season games that currently air on the league-owned network.
It’s currently unclear how much the blockbuster deal could cost the network but it is believed an agreement could be imminent.
Talks have reached such a stage that the league has informed team owners that they may need to vote as early as next month, the report added.
However, NFL fans seemingly hope negotiations will crumble before a vote takes place as they were left seething over the bombshell news Wednesday.
ESPN and the NFL (pictured commissioner Roger Goodell) are reportedly closing in on a deal
The agreement would see ESPN acquire a significant portion of NFL media, including RedZone
Many on social media claimed that RedZone’s quality would tank under the stewardship of ESPN.
‘I think it’ll be a lesser product. Redzone and NFL network are better as their distinct selves. The product doesn’t need ESPN’s spin on it. Look what they did with the UFC,’ one user shared on X.
‘ESPN gonna find a way to make it worse aren’t they,’ another claimed, while a third added: ‘This will go downhill so much if it moves to ESPN.’
‘ESPN just buys products and ruins them. No way it’s actually better and most likely will get way worse. And probably will have tons of commercials,’ weighed in a fourth.
‘I don’t see this being a positive thing for the fans…,’ posted another, with one user asking: ‘Can ESPN just go away already?’
For years, RedZone was known for its ‘seven hours of commercial-free football’ but the fear of increased advertisements following an ESPN takeover seemed to be a point of contention for a lot of fans.
‘Get ready for advertisements 24 hours a day,’ one dejected fan posted, while another sarcastically added: ‘So much for commercial free football.’
In May, Scott Hanson announced that he would be returning as host of the show for a 17th season this fall.
Fans were left furious as the bombshell report broke with many slamming the network
Hanson’s status as host of RedZone, and the show’s airing as a whole, came into question as speculation ramped up about his NFL contract.
Earlier this year, there had been reports that walks between the host and the network had stalled with his former contact expiring at the end of the 2024 season.
But the veteran host confirmed his return in a social media statement earlier this year.
‘100 days from now = NFL RedZone. (& for those wondering: Yes, I *will* be there. We have A LOT of Touchdowns to watch together!) #NFLRedZone,’ Hanson said.
