New Era for NFL and ESPN

How the Disney–NFL Deal Will Impact Fans and the Cost of Watching Football

The recent partnership between Disney and the NFL marks a major shift in how fans will experience professional football—and for many, it may come with a higher price tag. The agreement gives Disney (through ESPN) increased control over key NFL media assets, including the NFL Network and RedZone, and it introduces more exclusive games to ESPN platforms starting in 2025. While the deal offers more football content and features under one roof, it could also reshape how and how much fans pay to watch live games each week.

More Games, More Access—For Some

Under the new agreement, ESPN will gain the rights to distribute NFL Network and RedZone content, and it will also add more regular season games to its schedule. This includes seven NFL Network-produced games and three additional exclusive matchups, giving ESPN control over 28 live game windows each season. This expansion means more NFL content will be available through ESPN’s broadcast and digital platforms, promising broader coverage for fans.

ESPN’s New Streaming Platform

The heart of the change lies in Disney’s plan to launch a new standalone ESPN streaming app in August 2025. The service—expected to cost around $29.99 per month—will offer access to ESPN’s traditional channels, ESPN+, and now the NFL Network and RedZone, all in one place. This is a significant shift for fans who have cut the cord and rely solely on streaming services to watch games.

For those who still subscribe to cable or satellite packages that include ESPN, access to the new content will likely be included at no extra cost. However, for streaming-only viewers, this new ESPN service becomes a required purchase for anyone wanting to keep up with NFL action—especially as more games move behind ESPN’s paywall.

Will Watching the NFL Get More Expensive?

The short answer is: probably. As more content becomes exclusive to ESPN’s ecosystem, fans may find themselves juggling multiple subscriptions to see all the games they care about. The NFL is still holding on to the rights to some games—allowing other platforms like Amazon, Netflix, or future media partners to bid for them. This means that a complete NFL experience could soon require subscriptions to ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, and potentially even others.

While Disney promises a better, more interactive experience—complete with betting integrations, fantasy football tools, and advanced stats—the cost of access is clearly increasing, especially for fans without traditional cable.

A Changing Landscape for Sports Broadcasting

This deal reflects a broader trend: the fragmentation of sports media rights and the migration of major events from free broadcast television to streaming services. By giving ESPN operational control over NFL Network and RedZone, the NFL is consolidating more of its content in one place—but it’s a place that may not be free or cheap for everyone.

As media companies compete for valuable sports content, fans are increasingly being asked to follow that content across multiple platforms—and to pay for the privilege. The ESPN-NFL deal may offer a more streamlined experience for those willing to invest, but it also raises the barrier to entry for casual viewers or budget-conscious households.

Bottom Line

For the average fan, the Disney–NFL deal means more football content and enhanced digital features—but likely at a higher cost. If you're a cable subscriber, you'll likely see improved access without extra fees. But for those relying on streaming, prepare for another monthly subscription to stay in the game. As the media landscape continues to evolve, following your favorite team may soon require a playbook—and a bigger wallet.