Starting next season, “Thursday Night Football” can be seen exclusively on Amazon Prime — and possibly at your local bar.
Amazon is reportedly in advanced talks with DirecTV on a deal that would allow “TNF” to be played in bars and restaurants, according to Sports Business Journal.
- The move would save countless establishments from having to either upgrade video systems to show streaming services or not show NFL games on Thursdays.
- Some large chains, including Buffalo Wild Wings (which has 1,227 U.S. locations), are not equipped to handle streaming video.
Amazon is paying $1 billion per season for “Thursday Night Football” from the upcoming season through 2033. It will be the first time NFL games will be shown exclusively on a streaming service.
The company is partnering with YouTube channel Dude Perfect on alternate game broadcasts.
Sunday Ticket Next?
The deal could provide a precedent for a similar arrangement with NFL Sunday Ticket. The league is targeting a streaming service for the out-of-market games package, seeking a price tag of $2.5 billion per season.
Amazon is competing with Apple, Google, and Disney for the property. Sunday Ticket is currently held by DirecTV in a deal that expires after this season. DirecTV has said it is willing to partner with whichever network acquires the package.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell intends to select a winner of that bidding process by the fall.
