Amazon Secures Exclusive Rights to Stream NFL Playoff Game for $150 Million
In a move that showcases the growing importance of streaming services in the sports broadcasting landscape, Amazon has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast an NFL playoff game next season for a whopping $150 million. This deal represents a significant increase from the estimated $120 million that the NFL was initially seeking from broadcasters.
The decision to stream an NFL playoff game exclusively on Amazon comes after the success of a similar arrangement earlier this year, when NBC’s streaming service Peacock aired the AFC Championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins. Despite initial backlash over putting the game behind a paywall, it attracted an impressive 23 million viewers and became the most streamed live event in history.
Amazon’s foray into exclusive sports broadcasting is not new, as the tech giant had previously secured the rights to Thursday Night Football last season and exclusively streamed a Black Friday game. However, the company did not experience the same level of success as Peacock did with its playoff game, garnering a total of 9.6 million viewers.
The increasing interest in streaming sports events reflects a broader trend in the industry, as more viewers opt for digital platforms over traditional cable TV. With Amazon’s substantial investment in securing exclusive sports rights, it is clear that the company is positioning itself as a major player in the competitive sports broadcasting market.
As streaming services continue to gain traction in the sports industry, it will be interesting to see how traditional broadcasters respond to the changing landscape. With Amazon’s latest deal with the NFL, it is evident that the future of sports broadcasting is increasingly digital.
