• Loading stock data...
Saturday, February 21, 2026

Amazon, NFL Want to Own ‘Black Friday’ Too

  • Tech giant to offer free access to league’s first ‘Black Friday’ game.
  • Amazon normally charges for Prime membership.
Thursday Night Football will add Black Friday game.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Amazon Prime Video and the NFL are taking the next steps to try to own the “Black Friday” holiday.

Amazon announced Tuesday it would offer free access to all viewers for its exclusive stream of the league’s first-ever “Black Friday” game on Nov. 24, 2023 (3 p.m. ET).

Typically, customers have to pay for Amazon Prime Video to stream “Thursday Night Football.” The service costs $14.99 a month or $139 a year.

But Amazon decided it was worth the loss in potential sign-up revenue to try to establish its new “Black Friday” game as an ongoing NFL tradition.

“We’re excited to expand our relationship with the NFL and build a new holiday tradition for our customers with the first Black Friday NFL game,” said Jay Marine, vice president of Prime Video and global head of Sports, in a statement. “We’re so very proud of our Thursday Night Football production and all the teams in front of and behind the camera. As families look to spend time together over the holiday weekend, we are excited to provide an opportunity for everyone to enjoy this new day of NFL action.”

Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform at half-time of NFL game

The NFL and Amazon’s Black Friday Experiment

How the league and an ecommerce giant can control the day after…
November 26, 2022

Amazon’s pregame show will be live and on-site at the stadium as part of its coverage.

Charissa Thompson will host, along with analysts Tony Gonzalez, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Richard Sherman, Andrew Whitworth, Taylor Rooks, and Michael Smith. 

The TNF crew of Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit, and Kaylee Hartung will call the game. The NFL will pick the two competing teams at a later date.

It looks like a smart business play by Jeff Bezos’ Amazon. 

Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year. But Amazon’s message to holiday shoppers will be: Why get trampled by hordes at brick-and-mortar retailers like Walmart when you can shop online with us – while watching a free NFL game to boot? 

And, of course, it’s a loss-leader maneuver to get fans to sample Prime – and possibly sign up later.

Last year, Amazon became the NFL’s first all-digital partner via an $11 billion 11-year deal to stream TNF through 2033 exclusively.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Feb 10, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States during the curling mixed doubles gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium

Curling Clubs Are Swept Up in Olympics Fever. Can It Last?

Every four years, organizations field an influx of curling-curious patrons.

Super Bowl LX Viewership Revised, Still Falls Short of Record

The updated figure still trails the viewership for last year’s Super Bowl.

Bears $5B Stadium Plan Ramps Up As Indiana Pushes Ahead

The NFL team draws closer to finalizing a long-awaited stadium deal.

Featured Today

Max Valverde by Ron Winsett

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.
Feb 11, 2026; Milan, Italy; Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States skate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena.
February 13, 2026

Olympic Figure Skaters Pay Out of Pocket for $9,000 Costumes

For four minutes on ice, stakes are high—and prices even higher.
February 11, 2026

Epstein Emails Show His F1 Ties Ran Deep

The sex trafficker’s circles included many of the biggest names in F1.
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) watches batting practice during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Gotham Sports Rolls Out Price Reductions to Streaming Packages

The YES Network-MSG Networks joint venture retools its pricing.
Jan 29, 2022; St. Louis, MO, USA; Ronda Rousey celebrates after winning the women’s Royal Rumble match during the Royal Rumble at The Dome at America's Center.
February 19, 2026

Ronda Rousey Says UFC Was Not Interested in Fight With Gina Carano

Both fighters will undergo more medical testing than what’s required.
Founder and CEO of TMRW/Sports, Mike McCarley left, and LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler answer questions after announcing the WTGL golf league at SoFi Center on January 6, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
February 19, 2026

Media Rights Negotiations Ramping Up For WTGL

The league is planning to launch in November or December.
Sponsored

From MLS to AUSL: Jon Patricof on Building Sports Leagues

Jon Patricof on athlete equity, fan-first strategy, and how women’s sports can reshape the future of league building.
Jul 15, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives the ball against Connecticut Sun guard Leila Lacan (47) in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit:
February 19, 2026

ESPN to Fill ‘Sunday Night Baseball’ Void With ‘Women’s Sports Sundays’

The franchise will feature 12 games over a nine-week span.
Feb 17, 2026; Milan, Italy; Snoop Dogg looks on in the womens figure skating short program during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena.
February 18, 2026

Snoop Dogg Will Lead Olympic Hockey Alt-Cast During Men’s Quarterfinal

Team USA plays Sweden in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
John Fanta is set to make his NBA play-by-play debut for NBC.
exclusive
February 18, 2026

John Fanta to Make ‘NBA on NBC Sports’ Play-by-Play Debut

Fanta will be on the call for Wolves-Blazers on Tuesday.
Adam Silver at All-Star
February 18, 2026

After Fixing All-Star Format, NBA and NBC Weighing Saturday Changes

NBC is eyeing a potential 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 tournament.