ESPN will remain the home of US sports in Australia and New Zealand after the broadcaster announced an extended long-term NFL deal, featuring the historic NFL Melbourne game and RedZone on Disney+.
The first-ever regular season NFL game to be played in Australia will kick off on September 11 between the LA Rams and the San Francisco 49ers at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground with 100,000 fans expected to pack the stadium.
ESPN will provide a dedicated localised live broadcast on ESPN and Disney+ with wall-to-wall coverage during the build-up along with expert commentary and insights from ESPN's NFL talent - including the recently announced halftime headline performance from the multi-platinum Jonas Brothers.
In addition, ESPN has extended rights to RedZone on Disney+ exclusively, and a selection of other NFL live content in Australia and New Zealand.
The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand Senior Vice President and Managing Director, and Head of ESPN Asia-Pacific, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, said: "We're thrilled to offer ESPN and Disney+ viewers a prime viewing position of the landmark NFL Melbourne game taking place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Our Disney audience has a long-held affinity with the Jonas Brothers, making them an ideal choice to create an incredible spectacle at half-time, with the Rams-49ers game a truly unmissable moment in the sporting calendar.
"ESPN remains the provider of the most comprehensive coverage of the NFL in Australia and New Zealand including the Super Bowl. Building on our long-standing alliance with the NFL that spans more than 30 years in Australia and New Zealand, ESPN serves millions of sports fans locally via the most widely distributed premium sports network across pay TV and streaming." Charlotte Offord, NFL Australia & New Zealand General Manager, said: "The NFL is delighted that ESPN will broadcast the historic Melbourne Game, in what is a milestone year for the league in the region.
ESPN Australia and New Zealand "Our close relationship with ESPN is built on a shared commitment to delivering the very best NFL action to fans wherever and however they choose to watch. ESPN has broadcast the NFL into Australia since 1995 and their year-round coverage makes them an important partner as we continue to grow the game here, starting with the New England Patriots taking on the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 10. Together, we're creating more opportunities to engage fans, showcase our athletes and bring the excitement of the NFL to our 8.8 million fans across Australia."