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ESPN pushes for global recognition via Nokia app

Author

Lauren Johnson

ESPN is stretching its global reach by partnering with Nokia to preload new Windows Phone devices with a central hub for sports fans.

The ESPN hub is the latest mobile initiative from the sports publisher to dive into global markets and signals the opportunity the company sees with Nokia?s new rollout of mobile devices. The ESPN Hub will be available on Nokia Windows Phones by 2012.

?Our mission is to serve the sports fan wherever they are consuming sports,? said Amy Phillips, senior director of communications at ESPN, New York.

?We?re always evaluating new devices and platforms, and the functionality of the Nokia Windows Phone allows for a very unique experience,? she said.

Loaded game
The ESPN Hub feature will pull information for users from ESPN?s global database that includes all of ESPN?s properties.

The ESPN feature will be rolled out in Nokia devices in 190 countries.

Using the ESPN Hub, fans can access sports news, scores and stats from their mobile devices.

The app also includes ESPN analysis and video clips for select sports and uses the device's GPS to find local sports information and can be personalized for users to set their favorite sports and teams.

Additionally, the app syncs with ESPN?s social media sites via Facebook and Twitter.

ESPN?s mobile tool will be added to Nokia?s recently announced line of Windows Phone devices ? the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710.

?Growing our business ? specifically our mobile business ? outside of the United States is a priority for ESPN, and Nokia provides a great distribution platform outside of the U.S.,? Ms. Phillips said.

World olympics
ESPN has long proven that mobile is an essential part of the its strategy.

Part of ESPN?s goal to reach as many sports fans as possible is done through partnerships.

Most recently, ESPN partnered with NASCAR to let sports fans watch live races (see story). 

Nokia is a predominately European-focused company, which shows the reach that ESPN has.

By preloading Nokia handsets with apps, ESPN is pushing for the company to become a dominant mobile force internationally.

?The ESPN Hub provides a unique and innovative mobile sports experience and takes advantage of the Windows Phone platform and Metro user interface featured on the new line of Nokia Windows Phone devices,? Ms. Phillips said.

?It also offers localized content for multiple international markets, and will have additional language support in the future,? she said.

Final Take
Lauren Johnson is editorial assistant on Mobile Marketer, New York