An ESPN deal, therefore, would once again put Microsoft ahead of its two competitors, especially among male-dominated gamers, many of whom also are among ESPN’s core demographic (Microsoft has also brought Facebook, Last.fm and Twitter to Xbox Live recently).

Few details about the possible ESPN deal, although the NYT says that Microsoft might pay a “per-subscriber fee.” The paper says the content would be similar to that available via ESPN 360, which provides free streaming of thousands of live games and events, as long as a user gets his or her internet connection through select internet service providers.

We reached out to ESPN and Microsoft representatives and are waiting to hear back. A representative for ESPN said that the company does not comment on “speculation,” while a Microsoft spokeswoman said, “We don’t discuss future products, services or games which may or may not come to the Xbox 360 platform in the future.”