ESPN wins Premier League mobile highlights packages

ESPN been awarded the exclusive mobile highlight rights to all 380 Barclays Premier League football matches per season for the next three seasons.

Beginning at the start of the 2010/2011 season, the highlights package joins ESPN’s mobile web sites for ESPN.co.uk, ESPNSoccernet, ESPNCricinfo, ESPNScrum and ESPNF1, as well as apps.

The highlights rights are currently held by BSkyB, in partnership with News Group Newspapers.

Lynne Frank, senior vice president and managing director, ESPN – Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: “Mobile devices are an indispensable lifeline for football fans, who expect easy, quick access to the latest goals and action wherever they are.

“Adding these rights will allow us to advance our commitment to delivering great sport across the many screens UK fans use each day. Since we launched ESPN in the UK less than 250 days ago, we have been dedicated to building the foundation of a long-term relationship with UK sports fans. This is another big step in that process.”

Richard Scudamore, Premier League chief executive, said: “ESPN’s purchase of Barclays Premier League mobile clip rights demonstrates their commitment to the competition and the fans.

“Mobile is an increasingly important technology as hand held devices become ever more sophisticated, therefore a good offering with a strong partner is important to us both in terms of accessibility and complementing live coverage.”