The National Football League (NFL) has entered a deal with Walt Disney Co. under which it will receive a 10% equity stake in ESPN. In exchange, Disney gains control over prime NFL media assets including the NFL Network and RedZone. This transaction effectively gives Disney ownership of the NFL Network and related holdings. The deal has been described as a major shift in sports media rights and is being promoted by both the NFL and ESPN as beneficial for fans. However, legal experts and industry sources indicate that the agreement is expected to face scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) due to antitrust and competition concerns. The NFL has initiated lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. to facilitate regulatory approval, but there is no certainty the deal will be approved. Concurrently, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee has requested briefings from major sports leagues, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL, regarding the sports broadcasting market and the continued relevance of local blackout rules. Some lawmakers, including Representative Jim Jordan, are advocating for reforms or repeal of blackout exemptions to address challenges in the digital age.