Negotiations For Future Of 'Monday Night Football' Have Yet To Begin

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 6, 2026 2:38 PM ET

ESPN has been the exclusive home of "Monday Night Football" since 2006. While the network's deal with the NFL runs through 2030, there's no guarantee it's stranglehold on that slot will last past that season.

During a call with Wall Street investors this Wednesday, Disney CFO Hugh Johnston revealed that ESPN has not yet engaged in renewal conversations with the NFL. He doesn't view that as a bad thing though, especially since ABC will televise the upcoming Super Bowl in February.

"We’re not dogmatic about the process," Johnston said, via Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal. "We’re always willing to have a conversation with the NFL in an effort to find new opportunities for growth.

"We expect to be in business with the league for years to come, and will of course evaluate this deal as we would any deal -- with discipline, and a focus on driving value for Disney shareholders."

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; ESPN Monday Night Football logo on an end zone camera before the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Houston Texans in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesCharles LeClaire-Imagn Images

No reason to panic....yet.

Earlier this year, ESPN finalized a deal for NFL Network and other assets, including the rights to distribute "RedZone." Johnston said that transaction strengthened Disney's relationship with the NFL.

"We’re excited and looking ahead to the upcoming NFL season with the NFL Network and with RedZone linear now part of our distribution portfolio -- on top of ‘Monday Night Football” and broader NFL coverage," Johnston said.

Could we see Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube land more NFL games in the future? Certainly, but it doesn't sound like it'll come at ESPN's expense.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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