With just a few days left for Super Bowl LX on February 2, a major development has upset football fans. ESPN just signed off on a deal and acquired NFL Network and other digital assets, namely NFL Fantasy.

The cable company also has the broadcasting rights to the brand RedZone after it received regulatory approval from the government. 

ESPN and the NFL released a joint statement and informed the public of the new incoming changes.

“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 press release read.

However, the entities seem to be sorely mistaken, as fans are upset and deeply critical of this move. Under an X post made by Yahoo Sports on Sunday, fans came together to state that football has changed, and for the worse. 

“Government regulators approved ESPN's purchase of NFL Network and other NFL digital assets. ESPN acquired the network, NFL Fantasy, and the rights to distribute RedZone on cable and satellite, while the NFL will get a 10-percent equity stake in ESPN,” the post read. 

To this, a fan replied, “This is a mistake and will be a bad move for the nfl.” Another stated, “Oh no thingsare  really about to get funky for football lovers.”

Now ESPN Directly Controls How Football Fans Access Content

Under the new management, ESPN will take full ownership of the NFL Network, which had been the league’s namesake and front-running distributor since its inception in 2003. 

One fan accused ESPN of ruining the experience by monopolizing the market, which resonated with others who opined that this deal serves the rich.

“This is really upsetting. ESPN is so bad that they’re trying to monopolize the market to stay alive,” the X post read.

Fans have good reasons to believe that, as a report by KUVE  read that “With the sale, ESPN is 72 percent owned by ABC Inc., an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, 18 percent Hearst, and 10 percent NFL.”

And according to a report by The Washington Post, the other stakeholders in this deal were “the NFL’s team owners voted at their October meeting to approve the deal.”

Which is why one reaction on Reddit said, “rich people failing to recognize that when more people have more money, it works out better for everyone, including themselves.”

The 2026 Season See Change in How Games Will Be Televised

Compared to the present setup of 25 games, ESPN will broadcast 28 games and will eliminate some doubleheaders from the Monday Football Night.

Apart from that, there are complaints about the sheer amount of advertisements they would have to sit through. RedZone, launched in 2009, was popular for the break-free coverage of Sunday games and showcasing every touchdown live. 

This is why one fan commented, “If you thought the commercials this season were bad on RedZone... buckle up.”

This deal will fall through just days before the 2025 season concludes, but changes aren't due till April. While the Department of Justice (DoJ) reviewed and approved this, they did not provide any comments.

What are your thoughts on this deal? Share your take with us in the comments below.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu