FanDuel Sports Network, the newly rebranded successor of Bally Sports, is now available on Amazon Prime Sports, marking a notable step forward in distribution due to Amazon Prime Video’s extensive subscriber base and active downloads.
While the announcement of the partnership was not unexpected, with news breaking last November, the timing and details remained uncertain as Main Street Sports Group (formerly Diamond Sports) was then navigating bankruptcy proceedings. The path to successfully emerging from bankruptcy and finalizing the partnership had numerous hurdles to overcome.
As cable and satellite providers ramp up their efforts to carry RSNs, direct-to-consumer subscriptions have quickly become crucial. However, user experiences have varied, with many expressing concerns over app stability and only a small number opting for higher-priced OTT subscriptions, often betting on the continued availability of RSNs through traditional cable packages, which is becoming less reliable as channel access fluctuates.
Integrating FanDuel’s direct subscription service with a well-known platform like Amazon Prime Video will simplify the sign-up process for new subscribers, potentially expanding the subscriber base. Fans in the 31 states served by the 16 RSN channels can access the service for $19.99 per month, which may seem steep but could equate to significantly more viewing time than typical streaming services offer, with five to fifteen games a month.
Eric Ratchman, President of Distribution and Business Development for Main Street Sports Group, stated, “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to serve our teams and viewers. This relationship with Prime Video gives fans another way to watch their favorite local teams and underscores the essential role our distribution partners play in driving our future growth. We’re excited to offer a seamless and convenient way to stay in the game.”
Main Street Sports Group now holds the local rights for 29 NBA, NHL, and MLB teams, a significant portion of the local sports media landscape, serving fans nationwide. Importantly, this agreement is non-exclusive, allowing Prime Video to be one of several options for fans to access FanDuel Sports Network—a development that is much needed. We hope to see similar partnerships that provide fans with more avenues to watch their teams play.
