Karlobag.eu / AI illustration Sports Jul 23, 2026 · Sports desk ESPN reshapes its identity as NFL Network, RedZone and streaming define a new global sports strategy By acquiring NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and RedZone distribution rights, while giving the NFL a 10 percent stake in ESPN, the US sports giant is accelerating its shift toward premium rights, digital subscriptions and the country’s most-watched league. Simultaneous layoffs also reveal how the structure of its sports newsroom and production operation is changing