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[ManaByte]

ESPN, NFL Network are believed to be closing in on a deal

As NFLN slashes and burns, ESPN prepares to ride to the rescue.

www.nbcsports.com

In January, Andrew Marchand (then of the New York Post) reported that the NFL and ESPN were in “advanced talks” that could result in the NFL taking an equity stake in ESPN, and that would give ESPN control of NFL Media.

Nearly four months later, there’s a growing belief in industry circles that a deal is coming, as soon as next week.

As one industry insider put it, the agreement is “all but signed.”

The league has been stripping original programming from NFL Network, starting with a nonsensical extended hiatus for its popular morning show and culminating in multiple reports that Total Access — the original and signature studio show — is being shut down for good.

This means Disney would run the NFL's media.

 

[West Texas CEO]

Wait, does Disney already run ESPN?

 

[ManaByte]

Wait, does Disney already run ESPN?

For nearly 30 years...

 

[WhiteWaterM00se]

Very interesting…a sign that all these sports stations are no longer profitable on their own?

I swear, I wish someone could make a good Sportscenter again. Like in the 1990’s-early 2000’s. The show was amazing. It is probably a relic of the past due to the high speed internet era And YouTube. But it was a great show.

 

[Ownage]

The consolidated propaganda machine continues to consolidate! Can't wait for more Moana franchise tie-ins to SNF and Gas-X.

 

[ManaByte]

The consolidated propaganda machine continues to consolidate! Can't wait for more Moana franchise tie-ins to SNF and Gas-X.

Disney has owned ESPN since 1996.