Ian Rapoport has agreed to a new deal with NFL Media and will remain with NFL Network for the foreseeable future.
Some significant changes are taking place behind the scenes at the network, and there were fears Rapoport could take his business elsewhere.
However, Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reports that the insider is staying put.
Rapoport has been with the Network for 12 years and has a long-running rivalry with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, whom he goes head-to-head with daily breaking news. He started as a reporter for the Dallas Cowboys, covering the team for a season before establishing himself as a premier NFL news source.
“We’re excited for Ian to continue to be a part of the NFL Network news-breaking team, providing fans the most trusted source of NFL news across the industry,” Alex Riethmiller, the NFL’s Vice President of Communications, told The Athletic.
Also Read: REPORT: Ian Rapoport’s Future At NFL Network Is Looking Murky As Crucial Date Looms
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Ian Rapoport And Adam Schefter Could Become Teammates
Despite this development, Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter could still become colleagues as the NFL and ESPN have discussed the league acquiring a minority stake in the network. Such a move would see assets such as NFL Network fall under Disney. However, should a deal materialize, the NFL would keep other assets like NFL Films.
The league has been entertaining potential bidders in conversation about the Network and other assets such as NFL+, RedZone, and NFL.com and has been trying to “become a leaner outfit,” per Marchand.
The daily show, ‘Good Morning Football’, has already gone on break in a cost-cutting move and is moving its studios from New York to Los Angeles before restarting in late August. Host Jamie Erdahl has been the only one to confirm she’s staying so far.
Meanwhile, the network has recently laid off popular personalities Andrew Siciliano, Melissa Stark, Will Selva, and James Palmer.
As for Rapoport, he will remain on NFL Network’s draft coverage all week and in the future.
