NFL looking to grow TV and digital networks through external investment

The National Football League (NFL) is exploring ‘strategic options’ for its media assets, the organisation has said.

The league agreed to a number of long-term deals with broadcasters – including a US$1 billion deal with Amazon – earlier this year and is now considering the next step for its assets such as TV channels NFL Network and NFL RedZone and its digital platforms. 

Confirmed by NFL spokesperson Alex Riethmiller, the league believes that media partnerships would expand the reach of its TV and digital networks. The spokesperson was confirming an earlier report from the Wall Street Journal.

Any potential deal would see the NFL retain control of its networks, while Goldman Sachs Group has been tasked with finding potential suitors to buy any stakes in the networks. 

Riethmiller said: “The NFL has a proven track record of creating leading media platforms that develop significant audiences, so we anticipate speaking to a number of interested parties.”

New England Patriots owner and NFL media committee chair Robert Kraft told the WSJ: “As the whole world of communications and digital media changes, we want to find a partner who can further help us maximize the reach and potential the NFL assets represent.”