ESPN has launched an app that allows iOS device users to stream content from ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN3.com.

The service is only available in the US to Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Verizon FiOS TV subscribers.

George Bodenheimer, president, ESPN and ABC Sports, explained, "When we launched in 1979, nobody envisioned a day when people would carry ESPN in their pockets.

"But here we are. And we've reached this watershed moment for the industry through tremendous collaboration with forward-thinking partners.

The free app has been built for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. An iPad optimised version will launch in May.

ESPN also said that the app will be available on "other smartphones and tablets in the near future”.

Hopefully Sky will see it and offer something similar to its subscribers before ESPN gets round to launching the service in New Zealand.