ESPN are set to scrap overlapping Monday Night Football double headers, per reports.
Games have frustratingly taken place simultaneously since the current rights deal kicked in four years ago.
This has led to the viewership being split, negatively affecting ratings.
Earlier this week, ESPN reached a deal to acquire NFL Network.
As part of the deal, the broadcaster is set to inherit games that were set to be shown on NFL Network per the last media deal.
The NFL will create three additional slots for games, which will allow the broadcaster to get creative with its scheduling, likely starting in 2026.
ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro told The Athletic: “We’re getting out of this side-by-side business and moving those three games over.
“So you’re going from 22 clean windows to now 28 clean windows for NFL games across ESPN networks.”
The deal for ESPN to purchase NFL Network will see the NFL receive 10 per cent equity in the network.
Part of the landmark deal will see ESPN also receive the rights to the NFL’s fantasy football product.
ESPN’s game will now be the official fantasy product of the NFL.
Pitaro, 56, was delighted with the news when it was announced by ESPN on Tuesday.
He said in a statement, “By combining these NFL media assets with ESPN’s reach and innovation, we’re creating a premier destination for football fans.
“Together, ESPN and the NFL are redefining how fans engage with the game — anytime, anywhere.
“This deal helps fuel ESPN’s digital future, laying the foundation for an even more robust offering as we prepare to launch our new direct-to-consumer service.”
ESPN now have the rights to the popular RedZone product.
NFL WEEK 1 SCHEDULE
(All times ET)
Thur 4 Sept8.20 pm – Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Fri 5 Sept8pm – Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers
Sun 7 Sept1pm – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons1pm – Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns1pm – Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts1pm – Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots1pm – Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints1pm – Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets1pm – New York Giants at Washington Commanders1pm – Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars4.05 pm – Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos4.05 pm – San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks4.25 pm – Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers4.25 pm – Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams8.20 pm – Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
Mon 8 Sept8.15 pm – Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Although the NFL will continue to produce the channel.
Walt Disney CEO Robert A. Iger said, “Today’s announcement paves the way for the world’s leading sports media brand and America’s most popular sport to deliver an even more compelling experience for NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can.
“Commissioner Goodell and the NFL have built outstanding media assets, and these transactions will add to consumer choice, provide viewers with even greater convenience and quality, and expand the breadth and value proposition of Disney’s streaming ecosystem.”
Roger Goodell, 66, added, “Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love.
“Whether it was debuting Thursday Night Football, televising the Combine, or telling incredible football stories through original shows and breaking news, NFL Network has delivered.
“The Network’s sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.”
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