Media

Amazon Leading in Talks for NFL’s ‘Sunday Ticket’

Amazon has emerged as the frontrunner for the NFL’s “Sunday Ticket” broadcasting rights when DirecTV’s deal expires.
The NFL is expected to ask for $2 billion to $2.5 billion per season.

Sep 10, 2021 | 04:11 pm

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Amazon is emerging as the leader for the NFL’s “Sunday Ticket,” the out-of-market game package currently held by DirecTV.

The retail giant is angling for a multiyear broadcasting rights deal when DirecTV’s contract expires after the 2022-2023 season.

The NFL is expected to ask for $2 billion to $2.5 billion per season for the package.
Peacock, NBCUniversal’s flagship service, is not expected to contend for “Sunday Ticket.”
Apple made a bid for “Sunday Ticket” of around $900 million per season. Disney-owned ESPN has had exploratory conversations with the NFL about the package, as well.
DirecTV pays $1.5 billion annually for the rights in a deal that began in 2014. It charges customers around $300 per year for “Sunday Ticket” but only earns around $600 million from its 2 million subscribers.

DirecTV is interested in retaining the rights but knows it may be outmatched. AT&T spun off DirecTV into a standalone company in August in a deal valuing the broadcaster at around $16.3 billion. Amazon, by comparison, has earned over $100 billion in three consecutive quarters.

Amazon will pay $1 billion per year to be the exclusive broadcaster of “Thursday Night Football” from 2022-2033.