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Who wants the NFL? ESPN embeds itself as a key partner

Who wants the NFL? ESPN embeds itself as a key partner

The recent deal between the NFL and ESPN means the two will be allied for many years to come.

David Satin
David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.
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David Satin
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Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.
Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.
Sports streaming is continuing to gain ground on linear TV, according to a new survey.

Will anyone say no to the NFL? If so, it won’t be ESPN. The league is currently going through the process of approaching all of its current media partners with a proposal: pay more for your existing rights packages now, and the NFL will waive its right to exit all of those deals and take its rights to the open market in 2029.

But ESPN is now even more closely tied to the NFL than it ever has been before, and while its package may change slightly in 2026, “Monday Night Football” will still be on the channel for years to come.

Everything you need to know about ESPN and new NFL negotiations

Does ESPN already have a package of NFL games?

Yes, but that package will be changing in 2026 thanks to a major deal between the NFL and ESPN (more details on that deal below). For the upcoming season, ESPN will still be the home of “Monday Night Football” games, with many contests to be simulcast on ABC. There won’t be any of the dreaded “MNF” doubleheaders on ESPN this year; those games are being included as part of a package that will be sold to a new partner, such as Fox or a streamer like Netflix or YouTube.

ESPN also owns the rights to a Saturday doubleheader of games in Week 18, as well as playoff rights. Crucially, ESPN and ABC will be the broadcast home of Super Bowl LXI in February 2027.

Do NFL games on ESPN stream anywhere?

Yes, NFL games on ESPN and ABC are available to stream without a pay-TV subscription on the ESPN Unlimited. The service costs $30 per month, and can be bundled with additional services like Disney+ and Hulu, Fox One, and MLB.TV as well.

Where do things stand between the NFL and ESPN?

In August 2025, Disney and the NFL agreed to a massive deal that saw the league acquire a 10% equity stake in ESPN, while Disney received a large percentage of NFL Media properties, including complete control over NFL Network and distribution rights for NFL RedZone — though the NFL is still responsible for producing the latter.

That deal will tie the league to ESPN for the foreseeable future, past the length of their current broadcast deal. Precisely which games will appear on ABC and ESPN platforms in the future will likely shift from year to year, but the NFL and ESPN will stay in business together for a long time.

Will ESPN get any more NFL games in its current deal?

The league is shuffling around the international games formerly found on NFL Network as well. Some of these could end up on ESPN, and the league may make an effort to add some games back to ESPN platforms after scraping away the “MNF” doubleheaders for 2026. Keep checking with The Streamable to learn where the league decides to sell this package of outstanding games in the coming months!

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ESPN Unlimited

ESPN launched its highly anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming service on August 21, 2025. For the first time, this service gives sports fans access to its full lineup of linear channels without a traditional cable or satellite subscription.

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Subscribers can pay the $31.99 monthly fee for ESPN Unlimited, which unlocks all ESPN linear channels — including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN on ABC — plus ESPN+ and ESPN3, totaling around 47,000 live events each year. A subscription may be purchased monthly or annually.

ESPN+ content is available as part of an ESPN Ultimate subscription; those seeking only ESPN+ can subscribe to ESPN Select for $13.99 instead.

ESPN Unlimited offers extensive coverage of the NFL, NBA, MLB, college sports, UFC, soccer, tennis, and more, along with original programming, studio shows, and “30 for 30” documentaries. Starting in 2026, the platform will become the exclusive U.S. streaming home for WWE’s premium live events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble.

NFL Network and NFL RedZone are also included through an NFL-ESPN partnership, which adds draft coverage, preseason games, and NFL+ Premium features. The enhanced ESPN app will feature Multiview for watching multiple games simultaneously, real-time stats, betting and fantasy tools, personalized highlight reels, and even e-commerce options for tickets and merchandise.

On September 1, 2026, ESPN Unlimited prices were raised — barely a year after launch — from $13 to $14 per month for ESPN Select and from $30 to $32 for ESPN Unlimited.

Viewers can subscribe directly or bundle ESPN Unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu. With its robust live sports lineup, premium features, and the convenience of streaming anywhere, ESPN’s new service is a must-have for die-hard sports fans looking to cut the cord without sacrificing coverage.

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David Satin
David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.
Read full bio ›
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