Amazon Prime Video to Stream Regional Networks by Diamond Sports
On Wednesday, November 13, Diamond Sports, the company behind 16 regional sports networks, announced a new agreement with Amazon Prime. This partnership allows Amazon Prime Video to stream their games as an additional subscription option for its members, following a rebranding initiative associated with the FanDuel Sports Network.
This move isn’t a first for sports broadcasters seeking to address declining audiences; the New York Yankees’ YES Network introduced its streaming service, Gotham Sports, just last month.
Earlier this year, Amazon made a significant investment in Diamond Sports, securing rights to some local content during the MLB season. This included games for teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and Kansas City Royals, but initially excluded much of Diamond Sports’ full lineup. This situation arose because creditors invested $450 million to enable Diamond Sports to continue airing NBA and NHL games through the current season.
However, it seems Amazon is now set to expand its access to Diamond Sports’ offerings. Here’s what you should know about this latest partnership:
Is Diamond Sports in Bankruptcy?
Yes.
Despite undergoing bankruptcy proceedings, Diamond Sports is still capable of broadcasting regional sports. The company is presently implementing a reorganization strategy that has raised doubts from Major League Baseball. They are seeking court permission to proceed with their partnership with Amazon, although MLB remains skeptical. More details are expected to emerge soon.
How Will Games Be Accessible on Amazon?
This week, Diamond Sports revealed that fans could watch games via Amazon as well as through the FanDuel Sports Network app on a pay-per-view basis. Enthusiasts can pay $6.99 to view individual games for specific teams without needing a subscription.
While this pricing might seem steep, it may be a necessary approach for now. Networks are cautious about their streaming prices to avoid disrupting the traditional cable TV business model and violating existing contracts with distributors. Despite the ongoing decline in cable subscriptions, a significant portion of Diamond Sports’ broadcasts still occur through cable channels.
Is This Agreement Exclusive?
No.
Diamond Sports can still pursue streaming agreements with other platforms. For example, FanDuel Sports acquired rights to air content from Diamond Sports on its services as of October. Consequently, streaming options via the FanDuel Sports Network app will continue to be available, even as more content migrates to Amazon.