Microsoft and ESPN are teammates for Xbox Live
ESPN has signed a deal to bring full-length games and TV shows to Xbox Live, the online entertainment network for Microsoft's Xbox 360.
Among the offerings available for purchase starting Monday on the Xbox Live Marketplace are days-old, full-length NCAA college football and basketball games, Summer X Games 13 and episodes of such ESPN shows as World Series of Poker, The Contender and Madden Nation.
ESPN's Xbox Live offerings will kick off with a replay of Saturday's USC vs. Oregon State game.
ESPN has been on Xbox Live's main rival in video downloads, Apple's iTunes, since January 2006.
This is only the second deal ESPN has done regarding electronic sell-through, and we think it's a fantastic match for our platform and our consumer base, many of whom are avid sports fans, said Ross Honey, senior director of the media and entertainment group at Microsoft.
Pricing for the ESPN content will range from the equivalent of $2 for standard-definition episodes of Contender and Poker to $2.40 for HD versions. Two-hour football and basketball games will be available within days of their original airing and be priced at $3 for standard definition and $4.50 for HD.
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