Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Amazon Off To Slow Start As It Eyes More Live Sports

  • Amazon recorded its slowest period of year-over-year growth as it eyes more live sports.
  • The tech giant generated $116.4 billion in revenue in Q1 2022, a 7% increase year-over-year.
Amazon

Amazon recorded its slowest period of year-over-year growth in more than a decade in the company’s latest earnings report.

The tech giant, which is poised for growth as it continues to add live sports to its Prime Video service, generated $116.4 billion in revenue in Q1 2022, a 7% increase year-over-year, behind a net loss of $3.8 billion for the quarter. 

Shares of the Seattle-based company, however, were down nearly 10% in post-market trading. 

Amazon attributed the lukewarm results to supply chain shortages and inflationary pressures, but the company’s first quarter also included costly expansion projects and deals. 

  • It launched its Luna cloud gaming service, allowing U.S. customers to access more than 100 gaming titles on devices that include PCs and Fire TVs.
  • The company closed its acquisition of MGM for $8.5 billion, adding 4,000 film titles and 17,000 TV episodes to its portfolio.

Amazon also announced a media rights deal with Universal Tennis in Q1, which will also include an investment by the tech giant to implement inclusive and innovative changes for the sport. 

Live Sports 

Last year, Amazon Prime agreed to an 11-year deal with the NFL for exclusive rights to “Thursday Night Football” for $1 billion per season. It also inked a deal to carry Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 games for $1 billion. 

Earlier this week, it secured a rights agreement with mixed martial arts promoter One Championship.

As a result of the investments, Amazon announced a price increase for the service last quarter, from $119 per year to $139.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NBA Playoffs Set to Leave Local TV Behind in Streaming-Heavy Shift

The league’s new TV deals introduce a stark reality.

Amazon Drags the Masters Into the Streaming Era

Prime Video’s coverage means more streaming, viewing hours, and on-air talent.

NFL Faces Antitrust Threat from FCC Chair Over Streaming Push

The Trump loyalist threatens the league’s antitrust exemption.

NFL Annual Meeting to Tackle Rule Changes, Refs, and Media Rights

The league will advance its preparations for next season.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
opinion
April 12, 2026

Masters Sunday Was Rare Golf Stumble for CBS

Viewers were left hanging on the most important shot of the tournament.
ESPN's Jay Bilas speaks during ESPN's 'College GameDay' broadcast ahead of No. 4 Tennessee's basketball game against No. 10 Texas at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023.
exclusive
April 13, 2026

Bilas to Fill Malone’s Role on ESPN NBA Playoff Coverage

Bilas will call playoff games alongside Ryan Ruocco.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
Feb 10, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Dianna Russini appears on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors awards presentation at YouTube Theater. Mandatory Credit:
exclusive
April 10, 2026

The Athletic Probing Dianna Russini Over Mike Vrabel Photos

The Athletic previously released a statement defending the NFL reporter.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks on field before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
exclusive
April 9, 2026

Vrabel-Russini Photos Were Shopped to Multiple Outlets

The New York Post published the now-viral photos on Tuesday.
Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy tees off on the eighth hole during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
opinion
April 9, 2026

Why Prime Video Was Wise to Lay Up During Masters Debut

Amazon’s modern broadcast still felt traditional.
Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Sam Burns putts on the 15th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
April 9, 2026

Amazon Passes Masters Test During Debut

Prime Video streamed two hours of coverage Thursday afternoon.