ESPN Extends Monday Night Football Deal – Drops Big Money in the Process

ESPN announced Thursday it has retained the rights to continue carrying Monday Night Football through 2021. The deal, which picks up in 2014 where the current deal ends, adds several more seasons, additional rights, and more NFL-related programming opportunities for ESPN. Among the new additions, ESPN will gain more broadband [streaming] rights using both traditional and mobile platforms, options for playoff games, extra highlights, and more international rights; among other things.

The deal will have an immediate impact, as ESPN plans to add new NFL programs each year starting this year. How much did all of this cost? Roughly $15 billion - which compliments the ridiculous dollar amounts that were floated around during the recent labor agreement negotiations between players and owners in the NFL. Professional football continues to be big business, and ESPN put in their investment to hold on to their piece of the cash-cow that is Monday Night Football - something that's been growing since the 1970's.

Source: ESPN