In a major development for NFL fans and sports media, ESPN and the NFL have announced a series of new agreements that will significantly enhance the NFL viewing experience. These deals include an extension of ESPN’s exclusive rights to the NFL Draft and an expansion of NFL content on ESPN’s upcoming Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) service, as well as Disney+ and Hulu. This partnership is set to reshape how fans engage with NFL content across multiple platforms starting in 2026.
Key Highlights of the Agreement:
1. Multi-Year Extension of NFL Draft Rights:
ESPN’s long-standing relationship with the NFL Draft continues to grow stronger with a multi-year extension. ESPN has been the exclusive home of the NFL Draft since 1980, and beginning in 2026, Disney+ and Hulu will join ESPN and ABC in offering comprehensive coverage of the Draft. The agreement ensures that the NFL Draft will remain a cornerstone of ESPN’s programming, with Rounds 1-3 covered by ESPN and ABC on Thursday and Friday, and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday. Fans can expect even more viewing options with additional alternate telecasts available on streaming platforms.
A new daily show dedicated to the NFL Draft will launch following the Super Bowl each year and will air on ESPN2 leading up to the Draft. This expanded coverage will provide even more in-depth analysis and insider information for fans eager to follow every aspect of the event.
2. Enhanced Features on ESPN’s DTC Service:
ESPN’s upcoming DTC service is set to offer fans a revolutionary way to engage with NFL content. In addition to streaming the NFL Draft, the DTC service will provide access to a variety of NFL-related programming, including select preseason games. The service will allow fans to bundle NFL+ Premium, which includes access to NFL Network and NFL RedZone, with ESPN’s DTC service. This bundling opportunity provides fans with unparalleled access to both ESPN’s extensive coverage and exclusive NFL content.
The ESPN App will also introduce several innovative features, such as the multiview feature, allowing fans to watch multiple games at once—perfect for Monday Night Football when two games air simultaneously. Fans can customize their viewing experience with features that track fantasy football stats, legalized sports betting information, and real-time game data.
3. Expanded NFL Content Across Disney Platforms:
In addition to the new capabilities within ESPN’s DTC service, the agreement also expands the availability of NFL content on Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN’s platforms. Fans will be able to access exclusive highlights, additional simulcasts, and on-demand content, making it easier than ever to follow the NFL season from any device. Key shows such as Vibe Check and SportsCenter+ will integrate NFL highlights and analysis, ensuring fans stay up to date with all the latest developments from the NFL.
4. Deeper Fan Engagement:
ESPN and the NFL are committed to providing deeper fan engagement through interactive features. The SportsCenter For You feature will offer personalized content tailored to each user’s preferences, while ESPN’s Fantasy Football platform will provide enhanced tools for team management and player tracking. Fans will also benefit from more robust integration of sports betting data, allowing them to track bets and performances on both mobile and connected TV devices.
What This Means for NFL Fans:
This agreement represents a monumental shift in how fans will consume NFL content. By expanding NFL Draft rights and integrating NFL content across ESPN’s DTC service, Disney+, and Hulu, the deal opens up new avenues for fans to enjoy their favorite NFL events. Whether it’s following the NFL Draft, watching games on Monday Night Football, or catching up with the latest NFL news, fans will now have more flexibility and access to content than ever before.
The new interactive and personalization features on the ESPN App will deepen fan engagement by providing customized content, fantasy football tools, and integrated sports betting. For NFL fans, this marks a new era of content delivery—one that is centered around user experience and providing access to NFL content on the fan’s terms.
ESPN and NFL’s Vision for the Future:
As ESPN and the NFL continue to innovate together, the two companies are focused on providing fans with the ultimate sports viewing experience. With the launch of ESPN’s DTC service, starting August 21, fans can expect a future where sports content is available on-demand, customizable, and enhanced with interactive features that keep them connected to their favorite teams and players.
Conclusion:
The expanded partnership between ESPN and the NFL is a game-changer for fans. From exclusive Draft coverage to personalized, interactive features across streaming platforms, this agreement promises to transform how fans consume NFL content. With the launch of ESPN’s DTC service and the integration of NFL programming into Disney+, the future of NFL viewing is brighter than ever. Stay tuned as the new era of sports media unfolds, with all of ESPN’s content, NFL exclusives, and interactive features coming soon to fans across the country.
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