FanDuel Sports Network, the rebranded successor of Bally Sports, can now be found on Amazon Prime Sports.
This is a notable distribution step forward, given Amazon Prime Video’s sizable footprint in terms of subscribers and, more importantly, active downloads.
While the move isn’t exactly unexpected (news of the partnership first broke last November), the timing and specifics had been unclear. At that point, Main Street Sports Group (formerly Diamond Sports), the company behind the RSN networks — of which FanDuel is merely the naming sponsor — was still navigating bankruptcy proceedings.
There were still plenty of hurdles left to clear regarding successfully emerging from bankruptcy and enacting the partnership.
With cable and satellite providers becoming more aggressive in their approach to carrying RSNs, direct-to-consumer subscriptions have quickly become an essential lifeline for these channels. However, the experience has been a mixed bag, with many users voicing concerns over app stability. Additionally, only a modest number of fans have opted for the higher-priced OTT subscriptions, choosing instead to gamble that their cable packages will continue to offer access—an increasingly uncertain proposition as channel availability becomes more volatile.
While FanDuel has its own app for direct subscriptions, integrating the service with a familiar platform like Amazon Prime Video will make it easier for new subscribers to sign up and use the service, which should help broaden the potential subscriber base.
The cost for fans in the 31 states covered by the 16 RSN channels is $19.99 per month.
Though the price may seem steep, it’s worth considering that watching five to fifteen games a month could offer significantly more usage time than most people get from streaming services like Netflix or Max.
“We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to serve our teams and viewers,” said Eric Ratchman, President of Distribution and Business Development for Main Street Sports Group, in a statement. “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. While that number is down from its Diamond Sports days, it still represents a significant portion of the local sports media landscape, serving fans across the country.
Importantly, this agreement is non-exclusive, meaning Prime Video is one of several avenues for fans to access FanDuel Sports Network. Options and access are all sports fans can hope for.
Hopefully, we will see similar partnerships that allow fans different avenues to watch their teams play.
About Sam Neumann
Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.