Thursday, May 21, 2026

Is Amazon Building an NBA Portfolio to Support U.S. Rights Bid?

  • Amazon will likely bid for a package of the NBA’s next media rights deals.
  • Prime Video now has NBA rights in Mexico and Brazil.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA is less than four months away from opening up negotiations for its next set of U.S. media rights deals to companies beyond current broadcast partners ESPN and TNT. Those deals, which expire after the 2024-25 season, are worth $24 billion in total—and the NBA will no doubt be looking for a huge increase.

Amazon’s interest in acquiring NBA rights is no secret. Sources previously told Front Office Sports the company was exploring a deal for a package of games on Tuesday or Thursday nights. One of Prime Video’s top executives even went on record about the desire to buy playoff games as part of a potential streaming package. 

The NBA has never sold an exclusive streaming package for its U.S. rights. But in recent years, Amazon has compiled an intriguing set of international and supplemental NBA rights for Prime Video:

  • New multiyear deal for exclusive broadcasts in Mexico
  • Exclusive game broadcasts in Brazil (signed in 2022)
  • NBA League Pass available for purchase through Prime Video (since 2018)
  • Local streaming rights for 15 NBA teams through pending Diamond Sports Group deal

If and when Amazon makes a formal pitch to the NBA for an exclusive package of game broadcasts in the U.S., it will have plenty of evidence to point to in making the case for Prime Video. Of course, how much Amazon is willing to pay will be a key factor, too. Meanwhile, other interested bidders beyond Amazon, ESPN, and TNT could include NBC and streamers like Apple and Netflix.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NHL Playoffs Deliver Record Second-Round Ratings for ESPN, TNT

The Canadiens-Sabres series brought additional audience milestones.

How Philadelphia Built a $140 Million World Cup War Chest

Philly’s private fundraising is unique among World Cup host cities.

Will Wade’s LSU Is Pushing College Basketball to the Absolute Limit

The notorious coach has assembled a team of international pros.
The University of Alabama showed off renovations to Bryant Denny Stadium Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020. Sports Illustrated covers decorate the walls inside the new press box. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]

Sports Illustrated Defends Its Standards After Plagiarism Incident

SI removed its prediction-markets affiliate following accusations of plagiarism.

Featured Today

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga
May 14, 2026

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Racin' With The Boys
exclusive

‘Bussin’ With the Boys’ Launching New NASCAR Show

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions will produce the show.
May 19, 2026

Is Sports Coverage the Solution to ‘Google Zero’?

The glossy mag is betting sports coverage can arrest a traffic decline.
May 19, 2026

NFL Pushes Back on Criticism Over TV and Streaming Deals

The league remains steadfast in its overall media approach.
Sponsored

Mark Cuban Peels Back the Curtain

Mark Cuban discusses sports ownership, the rise of NIL, and the evolving media landscape.
Oklahoma City, OK - May 22, 2025 - Paycom Center: Shams Charania at NBA Countdown during game 2 of the 2025 Western Conference finals.
May 19, 2026

Shams Charania’s MVP Scoop Highlights NBA-NFL Differences

It’s hard to imagine such a scoop happening in the NFL.
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
opinion
May 19, 2026

Bill Belichick Takes Revenge on CBS News During Sudden Media Tour

Belichick said he’s requested the transcripts from his now-famous interview.
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is interviewed by Netflix reporter Stacey Dales following a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
opinion
May 18, 2026

NFL ‘Tempting Fate’ With Open-Armed Embrace of Streamers

The NFL’s media-rights strategy isn’t without potential risk.