ESPN Determined Not to Fumble NFL Draft Viewers to Fox

The network reportedly plans to broadcast the first two nights of the draft on both ESPN and ESPN2.

The ESPN broadcast team of (L-R) Mel Kiper, Chris Mortensen, and Steve Young prepare for the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The ESPN broadcast team of (L-R) Mel Kiper, Chris Mortensen, and Steve Young prepare for the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Even though the relationship between ESPN and the NFL is reportedly “fraying” thanks to Fox now being involved with the NFL draft, The Worldwide Leader in Sports is not willing to give up on it.

As a response to the announcement that the NFL will be jointly producing a show about the NFL Draft with Fox, ESPN now plans to broadcast the first two nights of the draft on both ESPN and ESPN2 as well as simulcast late-round draft coverage on both ESPN and ABC.

ESPN Deportes is also expected to broadcast the draft’s first round in Spanish, sources told The New York Post.

Putting the draft on multiple broadcasts on multiple channels will give ESPN a chance to retain the viewers it could potentially be losing to the simultaneous broadcasts on Fox and the NFL network, according to ProFootballTalk.  

“The decision to beef up its draft coverage is a statement from ESPN that it wants to remain viewers’ first choice as the home of the NFL draft,” PFT writes. “And it’s good news for fans, who will have more alternatives than ever for watching the draft.”

The InsideHook Newsletter.

News, advice and insights for the most interesting person in the room.