Could mobile applications be the next big “network” for sports content? Nobody knows yet, but Monday’s news about ESPN opening up its programming application interfaces to independent developers is another sign that the current content kings want to make sure they’ve got their hooks into any possible innovation that might dethrone them.
In non-geek terms, what ESPN announced today was a way for developers of applications to add features like ESPN headlines and stats to whatever new app they develop. Early partner Foursquare is a good example, with an app that gives fans access to ESPN headlines when they “check in” at a stadium using Foursquare. On one level, ESPN’s well-thought move seems to be a bit of a response to a decision made earlier this year by CBS Sports to similarly open up its fantasy-league content to developers, who might combine whatever innovation they can dream up with the network’s extensive sports information.
Though these initiatives are all in very early days, on one level it seems to make a lot of sense for a developer, especially a small firm, to take advantage of whatever free goodies it can reap from the worldwide leader or from CBS. From a quick look at ESPN’s developer FAQ it appears that developers wouldn’t have to start paying any royalty fees until they started selling a lot of apps or driving a lot of traffic. In that case, pretty much everybody is happy because they are simply sharing a bigger pie of revenue.
For ESPN and CBS, the moves are an easy way to keep potential competitors close to the vest, by offering them assistance with the parts of the business (sports newsgathering and compilation) that is often beyond the reach of most resource-constrained startups. So far, there hasn’t been a sports app to surface that was significantly different or disruptive to what the big players have been able to put out themselves. But by allowing developers to include their content APIs, ESPN and CBS seem to be taking no chances, allowing innovators to become part of the Borg if they so choose.
