Unless you were living under a rock as of yesterday, ESPN has acquired the rights to the NFL Network and other league media assets. The outlet will now have the rights to RedZone, and the NFL will have a 10% stake in the network.
League owners and government regulators must approve the deal first, yet that’s inevitable. This is a significant development, but is it beneficial for fans of the Los Angeles Rams and everyone else?
Both the NFL and ESPN (particularly Disney) will do whatever they want as they’re monopolies. It’s a good thing the NFL or the House of Mouse don’t have a stake in SB Nation, or I’m in trouble.
My biggest concern, like most of you, has to do with RedZone. As long as ESPN does nothing to interfere with Sunday afternoons of glorious, commercial-free football, I’m positive this will be a solid partnership. Also, ESPN will reportedly merge the NFL’s fantasy platform onto its own product, which is a godsend.
The NFL’s fantasy app was absolutely horrific, the one season I used it. I had a fantasy league with everyone at Turf Show Times, and something happened where I completely lost access to my team. Wherever it went, I haven’t a clue, so if anyone finds it, let me know and I’ll tell you where to mail my first-place trophy.
The main thing I’m concerned about is whether the league, with a stake in the network, will censor any criticism of it over the air. I can’t imagine Roger Goodell would appreciate being roasted by Stephen A. Smith. No one wants that, as the man’s a clown. We have enough censorship already in the media, and we cannot afford to see it leak into sports media.
Enough of my Rambling, Turf Show Ramily, what are your thoughts on ESPN’s deal with the NFL? Let us know in the comments!
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