In a move to expand its reach, ESPN will make coverage of sporting events accessible on Microsoft’s Xbox 360 platform.
The cable sports powerhouse will make full-length NCAA college football, basketball games and its signature Summer X Games available on Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft’s high-definition video download service.
The 2007 episodes of “World Series of Poker,” the 2007 season of “The Contender” reality boxing series and the past two seasons of “Madden Nation” will also be part of ESPN’s programming package moving to the hybrid videogame platform.
“Establishing this relationship with Microsoft on Xbox 360 provides an innovative way to reach our target demographic through this dynamic next-generation entertainment console,” said Matt Murphy, senior vice president of digital video distribution for Disney and ESPN Media Networks, in a statement.
ESPN’s prime viewer target is males ages 18-49.
ESPN will make as many as five college football games available for viewing in high-definition two days after they air live. Xbox users will have to pay $3 to $4.50 per game to watch them. Other shows will sell for $2 per viewing.
A limited menu of ESPN content is also available on iTunes. It also distributes content through its own alternative media platforms, ESPN360.com, a broadband pipe, and ESPN Mobile.
Microsoft currently has distribution deals in place with the Turner Networks, including some NASCAR coverage, MTV Networks, CBS, Disney, Paramount and Warner TV.
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