ESPN, Microsoft team up to stream sports through XBox 360

In yet another move that seems that seems to be taking everyone in a direction away from regular cable (see: Sony Playstation 3 and MLB), ESPN and Microsoft are teaming up to provide XBox 360 users with over 3,500 live sporting events.

Assuming of course that your internet service provider has a licensing agreement with ESPN.

Access to ESPN’s broadband sports network, known as ESPN3, will be free for premium subscribers to Xbox’s membership service, which is called Xbox Live. The deal is exclusive to Xbox, meaning that Microsoft’s gaming competitors, Sony and Nintendo, will not be able to carry ESPN3. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The deal stems from conversations that started two years ago between Microsoft and ESPN, which is controlled by the Walt Disney Company. Microsoft’s decision to pay a license fee for ESPN3 reflects an eagerness on the part of console manufacturers to be a pathway for content. (via NYT)

Apparently, besides the access to the sporting events, you’ll get other features such as voice-controlled instant replay, the ability to access highlights on the fly, and HD streaming. For those that can’t wait? you can expect the deal to go “Live” in November of this year.

For those worried that cable television is going the way of the newspaper, don’t worry, we aren’t quite there yet.  Remember, the partnership will only provide access to ESPN3, a network that shows plenty of sports programming, but not ESPN’s “ratings drivers” like Monday Night Football.

…of course, for those XBox Live users that love Worlds Strongest Man competitions…this may be the happiest day of your life.

Tags: ESPN, ESPN3, microsoft, sports on video game systems, XBox 360

Category: Miscellaneous