Verizon Wireless Launches ESPN MVP Service For V Cast Subs

Verizon Wireless Launching ESPN MVP Service For V Cast Subscribers

Verizon Wireless today launches the ESPN MVP service for its V Cast monthly subscribers, activating an exclusive multi-year deal announced in February. Resurrecting the main content elements of the failed Mobile ESPN MVNO, features will include real-time scores, news and statistics, ESPN Gamecasts, fantasy team management, text alerts, video highlights of “SportsCenter” and “PTI,” and some ESPN Insider material. The ESPN MVP service will be included as part of the $15-per-month V Cast subscription, with no additional costs levied. The service will be available initially on five mobile handsets serviced by Verizon Wireless, including the LG Chocolate and Motorola RAZR. “We are taking the ESPN application and putting it right into the mainstream,” said Verizon VP/Digital Media Ryan Hughes. Advertising will be seen on the ESPN MVP service, primarily in the form of banners and video pre-roll. The service is separate from ESPN’s 24/7 mobile video channel available through MediaFLO (Eric Fisher, SportsBusiness Journal).

PROGRAMMING: Along with the programming unveiled yesterday as part of its upfront, ESPN is also working on a feature-length documentary about Bobby Valentine, the former MLB manager who now leads the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan. ESPN Exec VP/Program Planning & Development David Berson said that Valentine “has given the net access on and off the field.” ESPN also announced that it will air its eight-part series about the ’77 AL East playoff race, “Bronx is Burning,” on Tuesdays at 10:00pm ET beginning in July (DAILY VARIETY, 5/16). The hour-long magazine show tentatively titled “ESPN Reports,” which will debut October 16, is scheduled to run for four successive Tuesdays, with plans for it “to return after several months and have at least 14 shows every year” (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 5/16). ESPN is also planning a New Year’s Eve show in which several action sports athletes will attempt to break records (THE DAILY).

VIDEO VAULT: ESPN is also adding more content to the video player area on the top right corner of ESPN.com. At various times, the section will feature clips from “Mike & Mike in the Morning” and “PTI,” as well as “SportsCenter Minute AM” and “SportsCenter Minute PM.” ESPN also unveiled its first downloadable video podcasts, which are available at the ESPN PodCenter on ESPN.com and will soon be available via iTunes. Initial offerings include “SportsCenter Minute,” the “Big Finish” segment from “PTI,” the “First Word” segment from “Around the Horn,” the “Mike & Mike Moment” and “Fantasy Focus” (THE DAILY).

ROCKET LAUNCH: ESPN is “working to televise all of Roger Clemens’ minor-league starts,” beginning with Friday’s outing for the Single-A Florida State League Tampa Yankees. The net plans coverage “for only as long as Clemens is in the game” (NEWSDAY, 5/16).