(Reports with NFL statement)
February 26 (Reuters) – The National Football League (NFL) on Friday denied a report saying it had reached a media rights deal with Walt Disney Co.’s channels ESPN and ABC.
The Sports Business Journal reported that ESPN will renew ‘Monday Night Football’ and return ABC to the Super Bowl round. (https://bit.ly/3pYxSNF)
Disney is expected to pay an increase of up to 30% in its current deal, which will amount to about $ 2.6 billion, the report said, citing sources.
“The report is incorrect and as we are not negotiating through the media, no further comment will be made,” an NFL spokesman said.
Meanwhile, an ESPN spokesman declined to comment. (Reporting by Eva Mathews in Bengaluru; editing by Shailesh Kuber)