Amazon May Shift Focus to MLB and UFC. High Hopes for NBA and NFL Playoffs
Amazon Solidifies Its Position Across Various Fields
Amazon continues to expand its presence in live sports broadcasting as it aims to attract more subscribers to its Prime service. Recently, sports chief Jay Marine revealed the company’s interest in acquiring broadcasting rights for Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This article will examine Amazon’s potential moves in securing sports broadcasting rights and their implications for the U.S. and global sports market.
Amazon: A Giant in Sports Broadcasting
Amazon is not just an e-commerce giant; it’s also emerging as a significant player in sports broadcasting. By leveraging live sports, Amazon has effectively attracted and retained Prime subscribers. In the U.S., Amazon already holds the broadcasting rights for Thursday Night Football from the National Football League (NFL) and is set to stream the National Basketball Association (NBA) starting next season.
The Significance of Broadcasting Rights
Securing sports broadcasting rights not only drives revenue but also strengthens Amazon’s position in the entertainment market. By broadcasting major sports leagues, Amazon can attract new subscribers while retaining its current user base. This strategy is essential to compete with other streaming platforms like Netflix.
The Potential Acquisition of MLB and UFC Broadcasting Rights
Jay Marine confirmed that Amazon is seriously considering acquiring MLB broadcasting rights. MLB’s current contracts are set to expire after the 2028 season, with speculations that ESPN might invoke an opt-out clause at the end of the 2025 season. This timeline presents a golden opportunity for Amazon to enter the baseball broadcasting market.
Similarly, UFC’s $1.5 billion deal with ESPN is nearing its final year. Marine acknowledged the immense popularity of UFC with its passionate fanbase. If UFC broadcasting rights become available, Amazon is unlikely to pass up the chance to negotiate.
Jay Marine’s Perspective
In a CNBC interview, Marine shared his positive outlook on both MLB and UFC. He highlighted MLB’s recent game-accelerating improvements and its highly engaging World Series. Additionally, he emphasized UFC’s impressive success and growing fanbase, confirming Amazon’s keen interest if the opportunity arises.
Sports Broadcasting Success at Amazon
Amazon has already sold out advertising slots for its first NFL playoff game, highlighting the appeal of its sports content. Remaining ad placements will be allocated after playoff teams are finalized, signalling Amazon’s strategy to maximize profits from major events. Marine also expressed interest in retaining National Hockey League (NHL) rights in Canada when its licensing agreement with Rogers ends in 2026. This underscores Amazon’s intent to expand its footprint in the North American sports market.
The Future of the NBA on Amazon
Despite a decline in NBA regular-season ratings, Marine remains optimistic about the company’s $1.8 billion deal with the league. He views it as a long-term partnership with promising returns for Amazon.
Rising Competition from Netflix
Netflix, traditionally resistant to sports broadcasting due to cost concerns, has begun showing interest. Recently, it acquired global rights to WWE and NFL Christmas games, posing a potential challenge for Amazon. When asked about Netflix’s moves, Marine acknowledged its advancements in live broadcasting technology. While he expressed respect for Netflix, Marine reaffirmed Amazon’s edge and readiness to compete in this field.
Amazon’s Bold Strategy
Amazon is making aggressive strides in expanding its sports broadcasting portfolio, with MLB and UFC as key targets. These efforts aim to attract new Prime subscribers and solidify Amazon’s presence in entertainment. Although competition from rivals like Netflix intensifies, Amazon’s clear strategy and visionary leadership position it well in this race.
A Dynamic Era for Sports Broadcasting
The sports industry is undergoing transformative changes in how content is broadcasted and consumed. Amazon is poised to capitalize on emerging opportunities and broaden its investments in this field. For sports and technology enthusiasts, staying updated with Amazon and its competitors’ developments will uncover exciting prospects in the near future.
