The PS3 has had a basic version of iPlayer for quite some time now, even if it is just a specially formatted player through an Internet link on the XMB.
You'll notice also that you don't need to be logged into the PSN to actually use iPlayer on your PS3 which allows the Beeb to sidestep any potential future issues should Sony change the contents of their free package.
I hated Mexico so much!
We have ESPN channels here, yes. I imagine one of the reasons we're not getting it is because of the existing arrangement with Rupert Murdoch's Sky.