Amazon Adds MLB.TV To Prime Video Channel Line-Up
Amazon Prime and Major League Baseball (MLB) finalized their partnership deal just before the beginning of the 2019 season. The new agreement adds Major League Baseball’s over-the-top (OTT) service MLB.TV to Amazon’s Prime Video Channels platform. The live-streaming service will be available to Prime members in the U.S.
However, there are some important details to note. While Amazon Prime subscribers will be allowed a 7-day trial period, after that they will have to pay an additional $24.99/month for the service or $118.99 for a season pass. And while this may be the same pricing the league offers for their service streamed directly through Disney Streaming Services (formerly BAMTech.com), Amazon promises that their service “will work “seamlessly” in Prime Video, with no additional apps to download or sign-in process required.”
Also to note, the service only provides regular-season-out-of-market games meaning you would not be able to watch nationally televised games or games within your local market.
Prime Video launched at the end of 2015 and is estimated to have brought in $1.7 billion in revenue last year alone. According to the Wall Street Firm BMO Capital Markets, this number is double that of the previous year. BMO Capital also stated that Amazon shares an estimated 70% of the subscription fees with its partners. BMO Capital reports that the number has been as low as 50% and as high as 85%.
This is not Prime Video’s first live-streaming sports venture. Amazon has previously offered NFL “Thursday Night Football” games, Layer Cup Tennis Tournaments and AVP Pro Beach Volleyball tournaments. And, in the U.K. Prime Video has deals with the men’s ATP World Tour, English Premier League matches and the U.S. Open.
“Prime members love the convenience of streaming live sports on-the-go and now, with MLB.TV, they won’t have to miss watching their favorite teams play,” stated Marie Donoghue, Amazon’s vice president of global sports video. “We know Prime members can’t get enough of sports, and we’re dedicated to providing more access to the Major League Baseball games they want.”
And what makes this service even more fabulous? Prime members who subscribe to MLB.TV and watch the live-streaming games on an Amazon Fire TV device, including Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV Edition, will be able to use the X-Ray Feature. This feature allows fans to gain access to play-by-play information, live in-game stats as well as team and player details.
Prime Video Channels will also be available on iOS devices, Apple TV, Android devices, Comcast Xfinity X1 set-tops, smart TV’s, computers, game consoles, and other devices.
“Prime Video will be another great distribution platform for out-of-market fans to have daily access to live baseball,” stated Chris Tully, MLB’s EVP of global media. “Combining MLB.TV with Prime Video will provide a seamless experience for subscribers to follow their favorite teams and players.”
Amazon’s efforts to increase MLB content non-coincidently comes with reports that they have also agreed to purchase the YES Network for $3.5 billion. It will be a joint venture with both Sinclair Broadcasting and MLB’s New York Yankees who are reported to already own 20% of the regions sport network (RSN).
The procurement would also give Amazon the rights to stream Yankees games on the YES Network in New York as well as access to the networks other sports content including the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.
It is clear the Silicon Valley giant is intent on providing its subscribers with an overall enhanced viewing experience. As live-streaming becomes even more accessible, it is essential for platforms like Prime Video to continue to expand their capabilities and their marketplace.
