MUMBAI: ESPN will use the mobile phone in a big way in the US to connect further with sports fans. The broadcaster will create a wireless phone service specifically targetted at sports fans. It has tied up with Sprint for this purpose. ESPN Mobile, will launch next year.

ESPN Mobile will offer fans sports programming and entertainment from ESPN on a mobile phone, delivering not only wireless voice service, but applications such as easy access to sports news, information, commentary, analysis, statistics, ring tones, graphics, photos and logos as well as streaming audio and video. this will be made possible by Sprint's wireless high-speed data network. ESPN Mobile will sell ESPN-branded handsets, accessories and applications tailored to its target audience of sports fans.

ESPN president George Bodenheimer said, "Our goal is to extend our leadership and expertise in the two-screen environment, the television and computer, to a third screen that is becoming increasingly important to sports fans - the wireless device. This enhances our mandate to serve fans anytime, anywhere, and Sprint's leadership in this medium will help lay the foundation for our success."

Sprint provides telecom services. The agreement complements its brand image as a retail provider and represents its first sports-specific affiliation for nationwide wireless services.

In addition to providing sports content, ESPN Mobile will be responsible for billing, customer relations, pricing, packaging, distribution and other operational aspects of the business.