Amazon Steps into the NFL Playoff Streaming Arena
A Historic First for Amazon
In an exciting development for sports streaming, Amazon has clinched exclusive rights to broadcast an NFL playoff game for the first time ever. This game, showcasing a fierce rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers, will be available on Prime Video. It's a significant milestone for Amazon, which has been weaving its way into NFL broadcasting since 2017. The deal, finalized in February, marks another chapter in Amazon's growing influence in sports media.
A Pricey Ticket to the NFL Table
Securing these exclusive playoff rights didn’t come without a hefty price tag. Amazon shelled out approximately $150 million for the privilege. This move follows their successful acquisition of exclusive streaming rights for the NFL's Thursday night games in 2022. Prior to Amazon's venture into this realm, the territory of playoff broadcasting was traditionally dominated by networks like CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN. They have collectively covered the NFL's six wild-card games, with one game each year being open to bidding.
Streaming Records and Local Access
Amazon is eyeing to make a mark not just in rights acquisition but in viewer numbers, too. Although Netflix currently holds the NFL streaming record with 24.3 million streamers, and Peacock boasted an impressive 23 million for their NFL playoff coverage last year, Amazon is poised to attempt breaking these records. Local fans in Baltimore and Pittsburgh, however, won't be left out, as they can tune into local channels to catch the game, ensuring community fans won't miss out on the action.
A Win-Win for Subscribers and Newcomers
With the game accessible to Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscribers, there's an added incentive for those not yet onboard; Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new subscribers. This makes catching the Ravens vs. Steelers clash a possibility for even more fans. This strategic move not only boosts viewership but encourages more sign-ups, further solidifying Amazon's footprint in digital sports broadcasting.
Amazon's journey began modestly with NFL streaming in 2017, but this bold leap into playoff territory underscores its ambition. As the big game day approaches, all eyes will be on whether Amazon can not only deliver the excitement but also draw unprecedented audience numbers. For fans and the tech giant alike, this game is one to watch.