Jeff Bezos’ Amazon is ‘close to sealing landmark broadcast deal to show NBA, MLB and NHL games that could allow fans to finally cut cable for good’
Could Amazon step in to replace Bally Sport after its parent company’s 2023 bankruptcy?
The New York Post is reporting that the multinational technology company is negotiating for local NBA, MLB and NHL media rights and a finalized deal could be forthcoming.
Describing the ‘late-stage talks,’ the Post reports that Jeff Bezos’ Seattle-based e-tailing conglomerate is planning to bring specific teams’ local broadcasts to Amazon Prime Video for an additional cost of $20 a month. Such a plan would allow local fans to cancel cable subscriptions without losing access to local games.
In total, Amazon would add Bally Sports’ local broadcasts for 13 NBA franchises, five MLB teams and nine NHL clubs, sources told the Post.
The reported deal is separate from Amazon’s 11-year deal with the NBA to show 66 NBA and WNBA games on its streaming platform per season.
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Amazon and Diamond Sports, Bally Sports’ parent company, have been negotiating for months, according to the Post. Financial terms have not been revealed. Previously it was reported by Sports Business Journal that Amazon had pulled a $115 million offer to Diamond Sports, which has been in Chapter 11 since March of 2023.
Under the new proposed deal, Amazon would gain local media rights to several major NBA teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs.
Diamond also has local media rights for MLB’s Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays beyond this season. If the deal with Amazon can be completed, Diamond hopes to retain local media rights for the Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers, all of whom are on expiring contracts with the embattled company.
Amazon already owns 15 percent of the YES Network and is allowed to air one Yankees game per week on its streaming platform.
The company, which already livestreams an NHL Prime Monday Hockey Night in Canada, is reportedly in talks with a number of hockey teams for local media rights: The Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Post reports that creditors Prudential and Fidelity are expected to try and take over Diamond if it emerges from bankruptcy. And if that does happen, Bally Sports is expected to be rebranded, possibly, under the FanDuel banner.
