Bristol sports programmer ESPN and Comcast Corp. said Wednesday they have a deal for the cable-TV giant to offer ESPN’s new 3D channel to its 23.5 million subscribers when the channel launches in June.
As Connecticut’s largest cable-TV operator, Comcast is the first to sign up to carry ESPN 3D, scheduled to debut June 11 with the live broadcast of the first FIFA World Cup soccer match between Mexico and South Africa, the companies said.
Terms were not disclosed.
ESPN announced in January plans to go 3D. It has been testing broadcast of various sports events in the format, including April’s Masters golf tournament and last fall’s USC-Ohio State football game.
Establishing a large swatch of cable viewers has been critical to the long-term success of ESPN’s family of networks.
“As a leader in the distribution of innovative content, it’s fitting that Comcast is the first cable distributor for ESPN 3D,” said George Bodenheimer, co-chairman, Disney Media Networks, and president, ESPN and ABC Sports. “This agreement demonstrates ESPN’s and Comcast’s shared commitment to bring the latest viewing experience to sports fans.”
ESPN 3D will broadcast nearly 100 events in its first year, including college football and basketball games, NBA basketball and X Games, the network said.
