HokieRaven5
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2020
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ESPN valued at approximately $30B based on NFL deal:
NFL media assets
In January 2026, ESPN acquired NFL Network and certain other media assets owned and controlled by NFL Enterprises LLC, including the NFL RedZone channel’s pay TV distribution and NFL Fantasy (collectively the Specified Assets), from NFL Enterprises LLC in exchange for a 10% noncontrolling interest of ESPN (the NFL Transaction). This transaction will allow the Company to expand audience reach, increase accessibility and flexibility for consumers, drive innovation, and offer more high-quality content at competitive prices. As a result of the NFL Transaction, the Company has an effective 72% interest in ESPN, with Hearst Corporation (Hearst) and NFL Enterprises LLC holding 18% and 10%, respectively. After July 2034, based on the performance of the Specified Assets, the Company may have the right to reacquire (the Exchange Right) the NFL’s interest in ESPN in exchange for a ten-year note at 70% of the then fair market value of the NFL’s interest in ESPN. Alternatively, on a similar time frame, the NFL may have the right to acquire up to a 4% additional equity interest in ESPN at a purchase price equal to 70% of the then fair market value of ESPN.
The estimated fair value of the NFL Transaction is approximately $3 billion. A significant portion of the transaction value will be deferred until late fiscal 2033 and amortized as an expense thereafter, or, in the case that the Company exercises its Exchange Right, would be charged to equity. The Company is in the process of finalizing the valuation of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests.
NFL media assets
In January 2026, ESPN acquired NFL Network and certain other media assets owned and controlled by NFL Enterprises LLC, including the NFL RedZone channel’s pay TV distribution and NFL Fantasy (collectively the Specified Assets), from NFL Enterprises LLC in exchange for a 10% noncontrolling interest of ESPN (the NFL Transaction). This transaction will allow the Company to expand audience reach, increase accessibility and flexibility for consumers, drive innovation, and offer more high-quality content at competitive prices. As a result of the NFL Transaction, the Company has an effective 72% interest in ESPN, with Hearst Corporation (Hearst) and NFL Enterprises LLC holding 18% and 10%, respectively. After July 2034, based on the performance of the Specified Assets, the Company may have the right to reacquire (the Exchange Right) the NFL’s interest in ESPN in exchange for a ten-year note at 70% of the then fair market value of the NFL’s interest in ESPN. Alternatively, on a similar time frame, the NFL may have the right to acquire up to a 4% additional equity interest in ESPN at a purchase price equal to 70% of the then fair market value of ESPN.
The estimated fair value of the NFL Transaction is approximately $3 billion. A significant portion of the transaction value will be deferred until late fiscal 2033 and amortized as an expense thereafter, or, in the case that the Company exercises its Exchange Right, would be charged to equity. The Company is in the process of finalizing the valuation of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests.