ESPN and Sprint Join Forces for Wireless Service

ESPN will create the first national U.S. wireless phone service specifically targeted at sports fans. The new service, called ESPN Mobile, will launch in 2005.

ESPN Mobile will offer fans sports programming and entertainment from ESPN on a mobile phone, delivering not only wireless voice service, but applications such as sports news, information, commentary, analysis, statistics, ring tones, graphics, photos and logos as well as streaming audio and video made possible by Sprint's wireless high-speed data network.

ESPN Mobile will sell ESPN-branded handsets, accessories and applications tailored to its target audience of sports fans. ESPN Mobile builds on Sprint's current relationship with ESPN that delivers both Web content and the downloadable application ESPN BottomLine.

In addition to providing extensive sports content, ESPN Mobile will be responsible for billing, customer relations, pricing, packaging, distribution and other operational aspects of the business.