The Questions

• What is an API?
• Why has ESPN decided to make its content/data available for outside users?
• Who is the intended audience for the ESPN API?
• How might I use the content that’s made available via the ESPN API?
• Do I have to pay to use the ESPN API?
• Can I use the ESPN API for my business?
• Why can't I access more ESPN content/data than what is available in the ESPN API?
• Can I showcase my app on ESPN.com?
• Do I need to give ESPN credit if I use information from the ESPN API?
• What data formats does the ESPN API support?
• How can I reach out to ESPN to discuss a potential partnership opportunity?
• I love programming and building digital products. How can I get a job at ESPN?

The Answers

• What is an API?

  API stands for “Application Programming Interface.” In simple terms, it is a way for two computer programs to communicate in order to transfer information. ESPN is making some of its content and data available, via its API, for use in products and services.

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• Why has ESPN decided to make its content/data available for outside users?

  Our overall mission is to serve sports fans wherever they consume sports content. To that end, we wish to work with you via the ESPN API to fulfill that mission and deliver engaging sports content to your users. An API program is an excellent way for us to work with partners more quickly and easily than ever, become more nimble and efficient in our product development, and encourage innovation amongst our own employees and even independent developers who may have ideas of how to improve our products and services to serve sports fans around the world.

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• Who is the intended audience for the ESPN API?

  Consumers of our API generally fall into 1 of 3 groups:

  • Internal - ESPN employees and contractors using the API to build ESPN apps;
  • Partner - companies working w/ ESPN to include ESPN content in their products/services; and
  • Public - independent, pre-approved developers using ESPN content according to our API Terms of Use.
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• How might I use the content that’s made available via the ESPN API?

  We want you to get creative! For example, you may include the ESPN content from the API on your website or in your mobile application. We believe that your innovative use of the ESPN API will enhance your products and services, and provide a more robust experience for your users.

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• Do I have to pay to use the ESPN API?

  Our API is free for non-commercial use, and within the usage limits described when you register for a developer key. If you have a specific application that requires more than the allotted limit of API calls per day, you may be asked to become an ESPN API Partner, at which point a specific business agreement may be reached with you.

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• Can I use the ESPN API for my business?

  The ESPN API is for non-commercial use only, but it can be used for your business when an agreement has been reached with ESPN. Please contact us for more information on partnership opportunities w/ ESPN. If there is no specific agreement in place that says otherwise, usage of the ESPN API is governed by our current Terms and Conditions. Commercial use includes selling or charging a subscription fee for the ESPN content made available in the API, or selling a product or service that is built with the ESPN API.

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• Why can't I access more ESPN content/data than what is available in the ESPN API?

  Some information that is found on ESPN.com and other ESPN sites is not available for re-distribution/syndication. Our goal is to make as much sports information as possible available to our developers, and our offerings may change over time. Please check the ESPN Developer Center regularly for new APIs and enhancements that you may be interested in using.

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• Can I showcase my app on ESPN.com?

  If you've built something cool that you want others to know about, simply send us a note and we will review for possible inclusion in our app gallery on the ESPN Developer Center site.

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• Do I need to give ESPN credit if I use information from the ESPN API?

  Yes. We have a branding and attribution page that must be followed when including ESPN API content or data in your application.

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• What data formats does the ESPN API support?

  We currently support XML, JSON, and JSONP response types. For more information, check out our Technical Overview to learn more about how to interact with our API.

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• How can I reach out to ESPN to discuss a potential partnership opportunity?

  If you think there may be a larger opportunity for your business to work in concert with ESPN, contact us regarding a possible partnership opportunity.

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• I love programming and building digital products. How can I get a job at ESPN?

  We are often looking for world-class candidates. Please see the ESPN Careers website for open positions.

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