Prominent insiders could join forces with contracts up and ESPN finalizing $3bn NFL Network purchase

Forget Avengers assemble, we could be seeing a link-up no NFL fan ever expected.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport have been rivals for the better part of the last two decades.

Out of all the breaking news stories on the first day of NFL free agency, Schefter reposted his competitor’s story that Travis Kelce is returning to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Schefter isn’t a ‘rash re-poster’ to his 11.5 million X followers, but there could be a hidden message behind the move.

ESPN’s purchase of NFL Network was finalized by government regulators in February.

In April, ESPN will acquire NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the RedZone channel to cable and satellite operators, and the league will get a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN.

Morale at NFL Network has reportedly been strained ahead of the April 1 transition, despite ESPN pledging to honor existing contracts.

But both platforms produce similar content and employ people in comparable roles, which could likely lead to layoffs. 

According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Rapoport’s current NFL Network contract is set to expire in May.

ESPN will have a decision to make, but it appears to be a no-brainer for a number of different reasons.

Employing the NFL’s top two news breakers is likely to drive viewership to ESPN studio shows, evidenced by the fact Schefter was on The Pat McAfee show this week.

It would also mean they could corner the market of insiders. With Schefter, Rapoport and Peter Schrager leading the NFL, Jeff Passan for MLB and Emily Kaplan for NHL.

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Rapoport potential ESPN deal could create long-term succession plan

If Rapoport were to join ESPN after the expiration of his contract, it could create a succession plan within the ranks.

Despite his appearance, Schefter is turning 60 this year, and the sudden retirement of NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski at 55 made Schefter reflect on his career.

“We talked about this, and basically, he wanted his life back,” Schefter said on ESPN.

“He didn’t want to have to work on holidays. He didn’t want to be away from more family gatherings.

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“That’s the life that we live, and that was the life he chose not to do any longer, because it takes over your life.”

Rapoport is 46-years-old, and comes cheaper than Schefter, reportedly making only $9 million per year in his current deal.

Rapoport’s contract situation will be among the first decisions ESPN makes in reshaping its expanded NFL footprint.

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