Roger Goodell hints at College Football RedZone amid ESPN deal
College Football RedZone: Could It Be Coming Soon?
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hinted at the possibility of a dedicated College Football RedZone channel during an appearance on ESPN's SportsCenter.
Goodell Addresses Future of NFL RedZone
"It’ll continue to be produced right here in this building," said Goodell from the NFL Network broadcast studio in L.A., when asked about the future of NFL RedZone. "It will be the NFL RedZone. I don’t think fans will see any difference to that."
ESPN's Acquisition Opens Doors for New Possibilities
However, with ESPN recently acquiring the rights to the RedZone name, Goodell acknowledged the potential for its use in other sports.
"Obviously, in the context of that, though, ESPN purchased the RedZone name, and they will be able to utilize that for other sports, college football and other things, and I think that could be an exciting thing for our fans also to see a RedZone, maybe in college football or other sports. That’s something that they now own and have the ability to do that," Goodell explained.
A College Football Fan's Dream?
The prospect of a College Football RedZone channel has generated significant excitement among fans. With more college football teams than the NFL, such a channel could provide continuous coverage from 12 p.m. ET to 12 a.m. ET, featuring multiple hosts and keeping viewers updated on all the action across the country.
NFL Network Sold to ESPN in Major Deal
On Tuesday evening, the NFL announced a landmark deal with ESPN, selling the network and other media assets, including NFL RedZone and NFL Fantasy, in exchange for 10 percent equity in ESPN. Despite the sale, Goodell emphasized that the NFL will continue to own, operate and produce NFL RedZone.
“Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love,” said Goodell in a statement. “Whether it was debuting Thursday Night Football, televising the Combine, or telling incredible football stories through original shows and breaking news, NFL Network has delivered. The Network’s sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.”