NYT: Microsoft in talks with ESPN to stream content on Xbox

by Alexander Sliwinski on Jan 18th 2010 6:15PM

The New York Times reports that Microsoft has "held in-depth discussions" with the Walt Disney Company to stream ESPN programming through Xbox Live. According to anonymous sources, ESPN would provide live streams (like it does with the titularly similar – though unrelated – ESPN360) to subscribers for a fee. There is also the possibility that Microsoft may "create some interactive games in association with ESPN" ... as compared to non-interactive games?

The idea described sounds similar to that of the sports-heavy – and UK -only – Sky Player. While North America doesn't currently have a TV streaming application, it does have Netflix. If the Times' sources are on the money, it seems like the ESPN offering would be a similar streaming app, not to mention the next step in an increasingly non-interactive battle for the living room.

[Via @GeoffKeighley]

Source

Tags: disney, espn, Microsoft, new-york-times, Xbox-360

Reader Comments (73)

it could happen, but only if MS does not try to tie in ESPN360 w/the Xbox 360 in its logo are promotional ads . but if both parties conclude that it would make sense to tie them in . then i don't see it being on PS3.

I could be very excited for this, depending on the cost/content ratio.

I could be very not-excited for this, depending on the cost/content ratio.

I bet they'll make it US-only.

Microsoft is really losing my attention with this bull crap.

Also, I'm legitimately tired of this image they're trying to put on: "XBOX IS FOR EVERYONE!" Seriously annoying.

Now if they would make it so I could watch all of the World Cup matches on the 360...

I'd be down.

Yes, BRING IT ON!!!!!

If you, don't like sports, then don't pay extra. Cause, as far as I know, on cable/sat, they charge extra for, live ESPN, ESPN HD and etc.. So, this will be BIG. Very BIG.

uhhhh I have Time Warner Cable....

I get 5 ESPN Channels for Free...all in HD....

They don't charge extra on Dish Network...ESPN and all the others are part of the basic HD package.

If you have ever used espn360 you know there is quite a bit more content on there than even 5 channels can cover.... because more than 5 games happen at once.

NICE! 24/7 poker tournaments all day everyday! now i can watch people hold cards while wearing giant stickers on their hats.

/sarcasm

Now, if they do this right, and bypass the blackouts, I might be excited.

That'd be a great idea. However, I can't see how it would work. MS will want to collect money for it but not hand it on to ESPN. ESPN won't like that. Alternately, they'll have a surcharge, customers might not like that.

if it were coming to Canada (which it probably won't) then I would be somewhat excited.

Wait so with this I could watch tv ON my tv?

What an awesome idea, and Microsoft gets the jump in to an untapped market

this post is sarcasm

I use Windows 7 Media center to record over the air HD broadcast TV for my locals (and a Clear QAM and possibly a CableCARD tuner in the future for cable). I could easily ditch cable if there was some IP connected way to get some live TV for sports and news.

Bring it, MS/ESPN.

If you have ever used espn360 you know there is quite a bit more content on there than even 5 channels can cover.... because more than 5 games happen at once.

Right now there are 7 events streaming live. I can see where they will eventually have all the games streaming and you choose which one you want to watch w/o the need for finding it on a specific channel.

Fuck yeah..... bring it on. bollocks to all you cheap arse. that are always thinking that everything should be free. get a jobs for fucksake or just live without it.you bunch of tards.