Sky Sports Contract Expired: What ESPN's NFL Network Acquisition Means for UK Viewers

How the ESPN-NFL Deal Will Impact UK Viewers

Back in late June, we examined how the UK's NFL broadcasting landscape was set for major changes following Sky Sports' contract expiry. Now, with ESPN's reported agreement to acquire NFL Network and RedZone, UK viewers need to understand what this means for their viewing options.

The Reported Deal

Multiple sources report that ESPN and the NFL have agreed on a deal where ESPN will acquire:

• NFL Network and its seven exclusive regular-season games

• NFL RedZone

• The NFL's fantasy football business

In exchange, the NFL will receive an equity stake in ESPN, reportedly up to 10%. The deal requires regulatory approval in the US, which could take up to 12 months.

Current UK Broadcasting Situation

DAZN NFL Game Pass DAZN holds a 10-year contract (2023-2032) for NFL Game Pass International. This includes:

• Every NFL game (with games shown exclusively on Sky Sports available after 24 hours)

• NFL Network

• NFL RedZone

• This contract runs through 2032 and likely continues regardless of the ESPN deal

Sky Sports's five-year NFL deal expired after the 2024 season. They currently show NFL programming like Good Morning Football and Pro Football Talk, but have not announced a renewal for live games. The Sunday 6pm and 9.25pm slots they previously broadcast are currently without a confirmed broadcaster for 2025.

The Gap: With Sky's contract expired, and no renewal was announced. There's uncertainty about who will show the premium Sunday evening games in 2025.

What the ESPN Deal Means for UK Viewers

Short Term (2025 Season) Nothing changes. The deal requires US regulatory approval, meaning:

• DAZN continues showing all games via NFL Game Pass

• NFL Network and RedZone remain on DAZN

• Sky's premium slots need a broadcaster (negotiations ongoing)

Long Term (2026 onwards) Once approved, ESPN will control NFL Network and RedZone but has no UK presence. ESPN's options:

• Partner with Sky Sports: Sky already carries some ESPN content (college sports)

• Partner with TNT Sports: The former BT Sport had ESPN connections until 2022

• Launch own UK service: Unlikely given ESPN left the UK market in 2013

• Work through Disney+: Possible but a long shot

The Key Questions

For DAZN subscribers: Your service continues through 2032. NFL Network and RedZone remain part of your package.

For Sky Sports viewers: Will Sky secure a new deal for the Sunday evening games? Without an announcement, these premium slots remain uncertain.

The Bottom Line

The ESPN-NFL deal creates future questions about UK distribution, but the immediate impact is limited. DAZN subscribers keep their comprehensive coverage through 2032. The pressing question is whether Sky will renew for premium games in 2025.

Our Prediction

In the US, ESPN's new flagship streaming service will launch at $29.99 per month, incorporating NFL Network, RedZone, and all ESPN content into one comprehensive package. This creates a powerful all-in-one sports destination.

In the long term, 2033+, we expect ESPN to attempt a similar approach in the UK.

In the short term, the most likely scenario:

Sky Sports becomes ESPN's UK home - Sky already has an ESPN content deal for college sports, making them the natural partner. This would see NFL Network and RedZone join Sky's platform, potentially as part of a broader ESPN-branded package or channel.

This mirrors the US strategy of consolidating premium sports content, while working within the UK's existing broadcasting framework. Sky gets valuable NFL content to complement any renewed game rights, and ESPN gets UK distribution.

The alternative - TNT Sports - seems less likely given their 2022 split from ESPN content. A standalone ESPN UK service appears even more remote given their 2013 market exit.