The NBA can rub its hands: the auctions for the next call for tenders for TV rights should allow it to break the bank. Besides the usual trio of ESPN, ABC and TNT, new players want their share of the NBA, and they are Apple, Google, Netflix and Amazon.
These platforms have the means to broadcast live sports, and a few weeks ago, the Wall Street Journal mentioned Amazon’s projects with the possibility of creating a regular event on Tuesday or Thursday on its Amazon Prime platform.
Asked about this rumor, an Amazon executive confirmed that we could indeed see NBA matches on Prime from 2025. And to listen to him, the e-commerce giant is squarely aiming for the playoffs!
“Would an event like the playoffs be an important element of [notre candidature] ? Yes, I think it’s fair to say that” replies Jay Marine, the head of Sports at Amazon. A logical ambition since the platform will broadcast its first NFL playoff match in January. This will be the Wild Card Round, and we can imagine that Amazon could focus its offer on the “play-in”, in addition to its weekly meeting.
Netflix for the NBA tournament, Amazon for the playoffs?
One thing is certain, Amazon believes that the NBA is a very good product to attract subscribers.
“What matters is that it is one of the biggest leagues in the world and people are interested in it”continues Jay Marine. “At the end of the day, are Prime members interested in this sport? Is it important in their life? And therefore, can this be significant in terms of added value for Prime members and the Prime program? And I think with the NBA, that’s right on all those issues.”
Remember that Netflix also aims to position itself on the NBA, possibly with exclusivity on “In-Season Tournament” matches.
