ESPN signs Facebook Watch deal

Disney-owned ESPN has announced a new distribution deal with Facebook.

The agreement will see the sports broadcaster distribute a range of exclusive digital shows on the social media company’s Facebook Watch video platform.

Content initially available on the platform include extra segments from shows such as Always Late with Katie Nolan, college football pre-game companion show Countdown to GameDay and new weekly mixed martial arts series The People’s MMA Show.

Ryan Spoon, ESPN’s SVP of digital and social content said: “We are extending some of our most popular ESPN shows and creating new ones with content available only on Facebook and Facebook Watch. 

“This allows us to connect with fans and drive the conversation around sports in a way that leverages what we and the platform do best.”

Rob Shaw, Facebook’s head of league and media sports partnership added: “ESPN produces world-class content, so we have no doubt that these shows will inspire the type of conversation and connection that makes Facebook Watch a unique way to experience sports.”

This news comes several days after the Facebook announced the launch of its new Portal TV set-top box.

The US$149 (€135) Portal TV is designed to ‘bring smart video-calling to the largest screen in your home’, but also places an emphasis on video viewing with access to a variety of OTT apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Pluto TV and, of course, Facebook Watch.