Microsoft's MSN Internet service said it will begin live audio broadcasts of National Hockey League games Thursday as part of an exclusive content and marketing agreement. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Under the deal, MSN will offer hockey news and statistics from NHL.com and the NHL.com Network, as well as free audio broadcasts of games in its Windows Media format. Thursday's deal marks Microsoft's second major expansion in sports programming on MSN in as many months. In September, the software giant partnered with Disney's ESPN Internet in a cross-marketing agreement. Both moves highlight Microsoft's ongoing attempts to partner with media companies by offering them technology in return for distribution.
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