They’re coming.
For the first time in its 16-year history, NFL RedZone will air commercials beginning with the 2025 season, host Scott Hanson confirmed today on The Pat McAfee Show.
“I’m the host of the show,” Hanson told McAfee. “The business folks handle the business. And I have no say over different elements that could or could not be in the show.”
The announcement comes just weeks after ESPN finalized a major agreement with the NFL. As part of the deal, ESPN will acquire the NFL Network, RedZone, and other league-owned media properties. In return, the NFL will take a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
No official connection has been made between the new ad policy and the media shakeup. However, industry analysts point to ESPN’s expanded role as a likely factor. With Disney-owned ESPN now overseeing RedZone, monetization — especially through ad sales — is expected to become a higher priority, potentially changing the nonstop, whip-around format that fueled RedZone’s popularity.
What This Means for Fans
- End of Ad‑Lite Viewing: RedZone was cherished for offering viewers “seven hours of commercial‑free football” — a signature value proposition that’s now being retired.
- Potential Future Overhaul: With NFL now holding a piece of ESPN, industry watchers expect further format tweaks, especially as content is increasingly channeled through ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service.