NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport has officially signed a multiyear contract to join ESPN, according to an announcement made by Rapoport on Tuesday.
The move marks a seismic shift in the sports media landscape, as Rapoport joins forces with his longtime rival, Adam Schefter. Per @RapSheet, the deal will see him appear across all ESPN platforms while continuing to maintain a presence on NFL Network. Rapoport, who has been a staple of NFL coverage since joining NFL Network in 2012, characterized the move as a return to the building where he once served as an intern for ESPN Classic.
The agreement was reportedly finalized several weeks ago but became official this week. The partnership between Rapoport and Schefter is expected to consolidate ESPN's dominance in NFL news breaking and insider coverage. While specific terms of the deal were not disclosed, the "Worldwide Leader" is expected to utilize Rapoport extensively during major league events, including the NFL Draft and free agency periods.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting
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