ESPN will fully own and operate the NFL Network and distribute RedZone to pay-TV providers|Josh Hallett|CC BY-SA 2.0

Disney announced Tuesday that ESPN will acquire the NFL Network and gain broad rights to media platforms like RedZone and NFL Fantasy.

In exchange, the NFL Network will get a 10% equity stake in ESPN.

The deal strengthens ESPN’s position as the premier destination for National Football League content ahead of its new streaming service launch this fall.

It will also merge ESPN Fantasy with NFL Fantasy. The agreement gives ESPN access to 28 nationally aired NFL games per season, up from 22.

Meanwhile, the network retains ownership of NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, team websites, and more.

Both sides praised the partnership as a win for fans, offering broader NFL access across more platforms.