Here’s what NFL Network could look like at ESPN

As early as next season, NFL Network will have a new look.

The network is being acquired by ESPN as part of a blockbuster billion-dollar deal that includes many of the NFL’s top media assets, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported Friday.

The report noted that within the ESPN family of programming, NFL Network could wind up looking akin to SEC Network, which provides constant programming about the league while ESPN’s flagship channel also broadcasts SEC games and SEC-related shows. 

A similar setup, with on-air talent being used across NFL Network and ESPN other networks, is a “very possible” outcome, according to The Athletic’s report.

The report also noted that ESPN is “expected to invest in improving NFL Network programming.”

The NFL hoped NFL Network could be a competitor to ESPN when the network was created in 2003, featuring shows like “Good Morning Football,” “NFL GameDay Kickoff” and “The Insiders,” but that never materialized.

The network had suffered from a series of cutbacks over the years, according to the report.

The seismic deal also shifts the rights of NFL RedZone, produced at the NFL Network Studios in Inglewood, Calif., to ESPN.

It’s unclear how exactly RedZone will be packaged and priced, but it is likely to be included as part of ESPN’s existing channels and on the Worldwide Leader’s to-be-released app.

In addition to RedZone and NFL Network, ESPN is expected to gain access to seven more regular-season games, the NFL’s fantasy football business and the potential to integrate other special features, including betting. 

The deal comes as ESPN is preparing to launch a new direct-to-consumer service, which will enable subscribers to watch all of the network’s programming for $29.99 per month, even without having ESPN through cable or satellite.