ESPN 3D Scores Carriage

EL SEGUNDO/BRISTOL: ESPN 3D is to launch on DIRECTV in June, adding to the service’s offer of dedicated 3D channels that includes its own linear 3D network, N3D, powered by Panasonic.

ESPN 3D will showcase a minimum of 85 live sporting events during its first year, starting June 11 with the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match. Other events to be produced in 3D include X Games 16, 2010 college football ACC Championship, 2011 BCS Nation Championship game, college basketball and NBA games in 2011. In addition to N3D, which will deliver 3D programming from programmers such as AEG/AEG Digital Media, CBS, Fox Sports/FSN, Golden Boy Promotions, HDNet, MTV, NBC Universal and Turner Broadcasting System, DIRECTV will also offer a 24/7 3D pay-per-view channel and a 24/7 3D DIRECTV on Demand channel, beginning this June.

“Watching ESPN’s comprehensive lineup of sports programming in 3D will be like having your own virtual seat at all of your favorite sporting events around the world. We are excited to be the first and only distributor to announce the launch of ESPN 3D and we look forward to announcing additional 3D partners throughout the year,” said Eric Shanks, the executive VP of DIRECTV Entertainment.

Added David C. Preschlack, the executive VP of affiliate sales and marketing, at Disney & ESPN Networks Group, “ESPN and DIRECTV recognize the groundswell effect 3D has already had on the television industry in the last few months. This agreement is the first step in providing sports fans access to exciting, dynamic content, as well as providing our affiliates new opportunities to provide cutting-edge product offerings to their subscribers.”