Diamond Sports has struck a deal with Amazon’s Prime Video to offer its 16 regional sports networks on the streaming platform. The networks will be available as an add-on subscription for Prime customers residing within each team’s designated geographic area. Details like pricing will be revealed later, and the financial terms of the multiyear agreement were not disclosed.
The agreement is non-exclusive, allowing Diamond to pursue streaming rights deals with other partners. The FanDuel Sports Network streaming options previously launched by the company will remain accessible. This move is part of Diamond Sports’ efforts to emerge from bankruptcy protection with a restructured business model.
In a recent development, Diamond rebranded its networks from Bally Sports to FanDuel Sports Network through a naming rights deal with Flutter-owned FanDuel. The name change was implemented immediately during the National Hockey League season and before the 2024-25 National Basketball Association season.
Diamond also announced that starting December 5, single games will be available on an a la carte basis for $6.99 each, without requiring a subscription. Both Prime Video and the FanDuel Sports Network app will offer these individual games.
On Thursday, Diamond will seek court approval for its reorganization plan, which has faced criticism from Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves. They have raised concerns about the company’s future viability under the proposed plan and sought clarity on the partnership with Amazon.
Diamond Sports filed for bankruptcy protection due to a heavy debt burden and the impact of cord-cutting on its networks as viewers shift from cable TV to streaming services. The company has secured TV and streaming rights deals with the NBA and NHL teams and has been negotiating with MLB teams individually.
Several regional sports networks, such as the YES Network owned by the New York Yankees, have introduced streaming options in recent years. Amazon’s Prime Video already broadcasts select Yankees games each season as it holds a stake in the YES Network.
Pricing for these streaming options has been carefully managed to avoid disrupting the cable TV model and breaching contracts with distributors. These contracts have been crucial in supporting the substantial fees that networks pay professional sports teams for broadcasting rights.
