Microsoft nabs more television support for Xbox Live by teaming up with sports broadcaster ESPN to deliver standard and high-definition programming for the online gaming network. In addition to sporting event coverage, the partnership also covers ESPN's video game competitions.

ESPN programming will made available for direct download over Xbox Live on a weekly basis, though not immediately after it airs on television networks; look for it on XBL by time of writing.  Customers can expect to pay $3.00 USD for standard definition video, and $4.50 USD for high-def downloads.

Effective immediately, fans of all ages can access a growing catalog of marquee sporting events and timely programming, including full-length NCAA college football and basketball games, Summer X Games 13, "World Series of Poker," "The Contender," "Madden Nation" and much more on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, the leading high-definition video download service.

"Establishing this relationship with Microsoft on Xbox 360 provides an innovative way to reach our target demographic through this dynamic next-generation entertainment console," said Matt Murphy, senior vice president, Digital Video Distribution, Disney and ESPN Media Networks. "This agreement embodies our mission to deliver the best sports content to fans, and does it through an exciting and robust platform that reaches millions of people."

"This is a natural fit for us, as so many Xbox 360 owners are huge sports fans," said Ross Honey, senior director of the media and entertainment group at Microsoft. "We are dedicated to providing our diverse community of Xbox LIVE users the premium entertainment content they want, and partnering with ESPN is a great example of our continued dedication in the video-on-demand space, especially in high definition."