Roger Goodell Thanks NFL Network Employees During ESPN Transition
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed employees of the NFL Network as they prepare to transition to ESPN, following a significant deal announced in August 2025.
Beginning Wednesday, April 1, ESPN will officially take over the NFL Network and the RedZone Channel as part of the acquisition.
While no major structural changes have been confirmed, adjustments are anticipated as the NFL season progresses.
In a note sent to NFL Media employees, Goodell acknowledged the transition, stating, “With a new league year upon us, we wanted to take a moment to recognize the members of our NFL family who will be transitioning to ESPN as part of the sale completed earlier this year. In 2003, we had an idea. Many skeptics doubted there was demand for a network featuring round-the-clock, yearlong NFL news, information, and analysis. But we knew our fans. We knew if we built it, they would come.”
He further commended the NFL Network team for their significant contributions over the last two decades, noting, “A home for the best content in all of sports — from Total Access, Good Morning Football, and NFL RedZone, to breaking news and live games, including Thursday Night Football. And let’s not forget, along the way you made the NFL Scouting Combine and NFL Schedule Release must-see TV. It is no surprise that the fruits of your labor would be attractive to an industry leader like ESPN as they look to serve the insatiable appetites of NFL fans.”
Goodell emphasized the beginning of a new chapter for NFL Media and its staff, adding, “To those remaining with NFL Media to evolve our key fan-facing platforms — from our website, apps and content productions across YouTube, FAST and podcasts, to NFL RedZone — please know how much we appreciate you. You will lead NFL Media into this next chapter. To those heading to ESPN, we offer a heartfelt thank you. We have no doubt that you will continue to drive unparalleled coverage of the NFL. And whether you are transitioning or staying, each of you will keep contributing to our greater football story, building on the relationships, sacrifice, and teamwork that made this moment possible.”
