In a surprising turn of events, the NFL has expressed its displeasure over the recent joint streaming service announced by ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). According to insider reports, NFL executives felt "blindsided" by the lack of communication surrounding the new venture.

The streaming service, which aims to offer access to a variety of major sports leagues, was announced last week by the parent companies of ESPN, Fox, and TNT Sports. However, the deal seems to have hit a roadblock with the NFL, as the league is apprehensive about its implications for their existing media rights agreements.

Reports suggest that ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro personally notified NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Chief Business Officer Brian Rolapp about the deal just hours before it was officially announced. During the call, NFL executives made it clear that they were unhappy about being kept in the dark.

John Ourand of Puck News revealed that NFL executives have taken the surprise move seriously, with their legal team actively researching whether the media companies were within their legal rights to launch such a service without the league's knowledge. This development is notable since the NFL already has media rights deals with both Fox and ESPN.

Despite initial indications suggesting that Disney, Fox Corporation, and WBD were within their rights to proceed with the streaming service, the NFL is reportedly searching for potential loopholes to put a halt to it. The league's pushback against the joint venture is intriguing, considering recent moves such as granting Amazon Prime exclusive rights to future playoff games, indicating their recognition of the growing significance of streaming services in the broadcasting landscape.

The NFL's seemingly disconnected position is further highlighted by the fact that they have been considering taking an equity stake in ESPN, making it understandable why they would feel slighted by the lack of communication. This unexpected turn of events has left industry observers curious about the future implications and potential resolutions between the NFL and ESPN.

As the streaming industry continues to evolve and gain prominence, this conflict between the NFL and ESPN-Fox-WBD joint venture underscores the challenges that arise when established media organizations explore new avenues without adequate communication and collaboration with their partners. It remains to be seen how this dispute will unfold and whether a resolution can be reached that satisfies all parties involved.

Overall, the NFL's discontent over the streaming service announcement reflects their desire to protect their existing media rights agreements, while also expressing their intent to play a significant role in the ever-evolving landscape of sports broadcasting.