• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 7, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is open through Nov. 13 Learn More

NFL And Amazon Looking To Own ‘Black Friday’

  • League officially announces a new ‘Black Friday’ game starting in 2023.
  • Amazon off to a strong start as ‘Thursday Night Football’ streaming partner.

There’s a reason why the NFL and Amazon are the nation’s richest sports league and online retailer, respectively. They’re always looking for untapped business opportunities.

Starting next year, the NFL and Amazon will stream a newly scheduled “Black Friday” game the day after Thanksgiving. 

The move presents business opportunities for both the NFL and Amazon. 

The NFL typically schedules a tripleheader on Thanksgiving. An additional game enables the league to extend its dominance of the holiday into another day — when much of the country is off from work. 

Amazon, meanwhile, can deflect some consumers away from Black Friday shopping sprees at brick-and-mortar retailers. And if they decide to replace that trip to Walmart with a Cyber Monday splurge on Amazon’s web site, then all the better.

Details on NFL/Amazon’s Black Friday plan:

  • The first Black Friday game is scheduled to kick off Nov. 24, 2023 at 3 p.m. ET. Teams will be announced when the NFL releases its 2023 schedule. 
  • Amazon is paying the NFL $1 billion a year for rights to “Thursday Night Football” through 2033. The league declined comment on whether Amazon is paying extra for the game. But Peter King of NBC Sports previously reported Amazon bid $70 million to $100 million.
  • Amazon’s TNF announce crew of Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit, Kaylee Hartung, and Taylor Rooks will call the Black Friday game.

“Thanksgiving is synonymous with football, and we’re excited to give our fans another day of NFL action during this holiday weekend,” said Hans Schroeder, chief operating officer of NFL Media in a statement. “Amazon is uniquely positioned to partner with us for this game as ‘Black Friday’ is one of the most important days of the year for their business.”

Marie Donoghue, Amazon’s vice president of global sports video, believes the game will start a new “tradition.” Yes, there could be opportunities to drive Black Friday viewers from the football game to their retail site. 

“That is a day when millions and millions of people visit our site. We will start with the customer first. They are coming first and foremost to watch a football game,” she said.

Brian Rolapp, the NFL’s chief media and business officer, hopes next year’s debut grows into a long-time, tentpole property. “Our intention is to have a game on Black Friday until it doesn’t work,” he said.

Amazon is off to a strong start as the NFL’s first exclusive streaming partner, averaging 10.8 million viewers over its first five TNF games this season.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Brett Favre and Donald Trump

What Donald Trump’s Win Means for Welfare Probe, Brett Favre

Favre spoke at Trump’s rally last week in Green Bay, Wis.

NFL TV Ratings: Can Amazon Keep Up Record ‘TNF’ Pace?

Thursday night games are averaging 13 million viewers.

Chiefs Eye Perfect Season, Three-Peat, and Capitalizing Off the Field

Despite injuries and an abnormally low average margin of victory, the wins keep coming for Kansas City.

2024 NFL Trade Deadline More Active Than 2023

Several big-name players found new homes.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Is Trump Recruiting Sports Figures for Future Cabinet?

0:00

Featured Today

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.

NBA TV Ratings Continue Trending Down to Open Season

The league has dealt with injuries to stars like Joel Embiid.
November 5, 2024

ESPN’s Jason Kelce Avoids Discipline After Viral Fan Confrontation

The dust continues to settle from Jason Kelce’s viral confrontation.
LeBron James
November 6, 2024

LeBron’s SpringHill Reportedly Considering Merger With Grammys, ‘Kardashians’ Producers

The two production companies have been in talks for months. 
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 4, 2024

Sports Drive Fox Corp.’s Revenue Despite Election Ad Overload

The Fox Sports parent posted increases in revenue and earnings.
Tom Brady
November 4, 2024

Tom Brady Won’t Be Punished for Criticizing Packers-Lions Ejection

The “Brady Rules” faced their biggest test so far after Sunday’s broadcast.
Fubo-TV
November 1, 2024

Fubo Reports 9% Subscriber Growth As Venu Sports Trial Looms

The sports-focused streamer grew revenue by 21%.
Adam Schefter
November 1, 2024

Adam Schefter Uses Same Pirated NFL Clips As Everyone Else

ESPN’s NFL insider posted a video from an illegal stream Thursday night.