Media speculates about Disney-NFL deal on broadcast rights

NEW YORK, New York: Following news reports that the National Football League (NFL) had signed a new agreement with Walt Disney Co., The NFL has denied the reports.

Disney is the owner of ESPN and ABC.

Earlier, the Sports Business Journal reported that ESPN sign a new contract to broadcast Monday Night Football and ABC would again join the Super Bowl broadcast rotation.

Industry sources believe Disney will pay an increase of as much as 30 percent for NFL broadcast rights, reaching a total payment of some $2.6 billion.

NFL spokesmen, however, denied the reports.

"The report is incorrect and, as we don't negotiate through the media, there will be no further comment," an NFL spokesperson said.

Also, an ESPN spokesperson declined to comment.