Amazon’s Sports Streaming Experiment: What the Premier League Exit Reveals

PHOTO BY GERALT ON PIXABAY

Amazon once made waves by entering the sports streaming space, shaking up how fans watch live games. Its Premier League deal was a bold move that drew attention across the industry.

Now, the company is stepping away from those rights starting in 2025. This shift raises questions about Amazon’s long-term strategy in live sports and what it means for the future of streaming.

Amazon’s Entry Changed the Game

Amazon made headlines in 2019 by entering Premier League broadcasting. For the first time, UK fans could stream live matches through Prime Video without a cable subscription.

To mark the launch, Amazon recreated Wayne Rooney’s famous bicycle kick using Tower Bridge as a giant goal. The stunt was featured in the video below:

This moment set the tone for Amazon’s bold presence in sports streaming, offering tech-driven access to top-tier football.

Why Amazon Is Stepping Away

In November 2023, Amazon confirmed it won’t bid for the next cycle of Premier League rights in the UK. Its final matches will air in the 2024–25 season.

The following tweet noted the new £6.7 billion deal giving Sky and TNT 270 live games per season through 2029. The BBC will continue with highlights:

That’s a record-breaking package—and a costly one.

Amazon may be stepping back due to rising costs and limited access. It may now focus on global events instead.

What It Means for the Future

Amazon’s exit shows that sports streaming isn’t just about entering—it’s also about evolving. The company may now focus on global or exclusive events rather than regional leagues like the Premier League.

One fan tweeted, “No more Amazon Prime Premier League football for the next 4/5 years 😭… I’ll miss it!”:

Many appreciated the fair pricing and strong coverage Amazon offered during its run.

For viewers, this signals a shift back to Sky and TNT. But Amazon’s role in global sports is far from over.