Diamond Sports Group, which owns 16 regional sports networks (RSNs), has reached a multiyear agreement with Amazon’s Prime Video to offer its channels as an add-on subscription. This deal will grant sports fans in 31 states access to local teams, marking a significant step for the company as it works to navigate its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
The deal will see Diamond’s FanDuel Sports Network RSNs available to Prime Video subscribers in each team’s designated geographic area. The partnership comes at a time when Diamond, which filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2023 with $8.67 billion in debt, is seeking ways to restructure its business and emerge from bankruptcy.
Prime Video Expands Sports Streaming Portfolio
Prime Video has been expanding its sports offerings, and this agreement adds to its growing portfolio that already includes NFL Thursday Night Football and deals with the WNBA and the Seattle Storm. The collaboration with Diamond further strengthens Amazon’s push into the sports streaming market, following an earlier investment in the company. This move also opens up new opportunities for Diamond, allowing it to tap into Prime Video’s vast reach and streaming capabilities.
Diamond’s CEO, David Preschlack, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “Partnering with Prime Video, one of the largest streaming destinations in the U.S., and making FanDuel Sports Network available as part of their add-on subscriptions, creates a tremendous opportunity for us to expand our reach and better connect with viewers.” He added that the collaboration, along with other key partnerships, is crucial to the company’s ongoing restructuring efforts.
New Options for Fans and Bankruptcy Restructuring
The deal is not exclusive, and Diamond Sports is still pursuing additional streaming rights agreements with other partners. Additionally, Diamond will continue offering its previously launched FanDuel Sports Network streaming service, while also introducing single-game pricing for select NBA and NHL games. Starting December 5, viewers can access individual games for $6.99, with monthly or season pass subscriptions also available.
This development comes as Diamond continues to work on its bankruptcy reorganization plan, which is set to be discussed in a final hearing scheduled for Thursday. Despite challenges, including objections from Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Atlanta Braves regarding the plan’s viability, Diamond’s efforts to restructure are progressing. MLB and the Braves recently withdrew their objections after clarification about the Prime Video partnership.
A Transformative Opportunity for Diamond Sports
By partnering with Prime Video, Diamond Sports has found a new avenue to reach fans as traditional cable TV viewership continues to decline. As part of its ongoing efforts to restructure, Diamond has also secured agreements with several NBA and NHL teams and continues to negotiate with MLB teams for the 2025 season. This digital expansion provides Diamond with new revenue streams, which are critical as the company seeks to navigate its financial troubles and emerge from bankruptcy.
As the streaming landscape for sports continues to evolve, Diamond’s strategic moves—such as offering single-game access and forging partnerships with major platforms like Prime Video—are positioning the company to maintain relevance and strengthen its standing in the competitive market of regional sports broadcasting.
