For NFL fans, Sundays are all about nonstop football and the thrill of every touchdown, especially when NFL RedZone is on.
But with ESPN set to acquire NFL Media assets, confusion is mounting. Some wonder: Does that mean ESPN will own or produce NFL RedZone? Will how or where to watch it change?
This guide explains the ESPN–NFL Media relationship, where the deal currently stands and most importantly, how fans can watch NFL RedZone in 2025 without missing a single score.
The ESPN–NFL Media Deal: Announced but not yet effective
ESPN is moving to acquire NFL Network and other NFL Media assets—including linear rights to NFL RedZone—in exchange for giving the NFL a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
The deal is not yet official. It must clear approval from NFL owners and government regulators before any changes take place. Until then, NFL RedZone remains fully operational under NFL Media, and access for fans remains the same.
How to Watch NFL RedZone in 2025
Here’s how fans can watch NFL RedZone today:
- Fubo: One of the most popular streaming services offering RedZone as part of its sports packages.
- NFL+: The NFL’s own streaming service offers digital access to RedZone in supported markets.
- YouTube TV (with NFL Sunday Ticket): For the full Sunday Ticket experience including RedZone.
- Hulu + Live TV
- Sling TV (Sports Extra add-on)
- Traditional cable or satellite: Providers like Spectrum, Xfinity, DirecTV, and others still carry the channel.
No matter the outcome of the ESPN–NFL deal, fans can continue streaming RedZone exactly as they do today.
NFL RedZone Commercials: What to expect in 2025
Starting in 2025, NFL RedZone will include a limited number of commercials. Ads will use a double-box format familiar to RedZone viewers. One box shows the game, the other shows the ad, with the ad’s audio playing.
Longtime host Scott Hanson will continue to provide commentary and updates between games, keeping viewers informed without missing any touchdowns.
Why are there commercials on RedZone? (It’s not ESPN’s fault)
The commercials have been added by the NFL, not ESPN, as the media deal, as mentioned above, hasn’t been completed yet. RedZone has experimented with ads before, including last season, which led to some viewer complaints.
The reason? Money. The NFL’s 32 teams earned about $22.2 billion last year, which is an 8 percent increase from 2023, according to Sportico. Why not try to add more dollars where they can?
NFL RedZone & ESPN deal FAQ
Does ESPN currently own or produce NFL RedZone?
No. It is produced and operated by NFL Media. ESPN will control linear rights once the deal is approved.
Will the ESPN–NFL Media deal change how I watch RedZone?
Not yet. The deal is pending approval, so there’s no immediate impact.
How can I watch NFL RedZone without cable?
Streaming options include Fubo, NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV (Sports Extra add-on).
Is NFL RedZone included with ESPN+?
No. ESPN+ does not offer RedZone.
Can I watch NFL RedZone on mobile devices?
Yes. Most streaming services like Fubo, NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu, and Sling TV allow you to watch NFL RedZone on smartphones, tablets, and connected devices like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV.
Does NFL RedZone show all NFL games on Sunday?
NFL RedZone broadcasts every touchdown from all Sunday afternoon games on CBS and Fox, plus key scoring plays, but it does not air full games start-to-finish.
