Amazon close to big deal to broadcast NBA, MLB and NHL games: sources

Amazon is in talks to become a major player in regional sports broadcasting for the NBA, MLB and NHL, in a surprise deal that could change the way fans have watched their local teams for decades, The Post has learned.

The Seattle-based e-commerce giant led by Jeff Bezos is in advanced talks on a deal to broadcast all of Bally Sports’ live broadcasts of 13 NBA teams, as well as five MLB teams and nine NHL teams, on Amazon Prime during the upcoming season, sources familiar with the matter said.

According to sources, with the new streaming service — which could launch next month in time for the start of the NHL and NBA seasons — fans will pay around $20 per month to access their teams’ local games through Prime.

Most importantly, fans with Amazon Prime will no longer need to purchase a cable subscription to watch local games.

This could further accelerate the process of abandoning cable, sources note, though Bally intends to continue broadcasting games on cable networks nationwide.

Rumors have been circulating for months about a deal between Amazon and Diamond Sports, the bankrupt company that owned Ballys, the country’s largest regional sports chain.

Last month, Amazon reportedly backed out of a deal to invest $115 million in Diamond, making it unclear whether Amazon will end all talks.

Financial terms of the Amazon deal, which is currently under discussion, could not immediately be learned. The source said it is non-exclusive, allowing Amazon to further expand into live sports streaming by signing deals with other platforms, including YouTube.

Amazon, Diamond and MLB declined to comment.

Diamond, who has been on the bankruptcy rolls since March 2023, is hoping the streaming deal with Amazon, along with other deals approved by a judge Wednesday with the NBA and NHL for the new season, will be enough to convince the court to allow him to emerge from bankruptcy in November, the sources said.

Under the agreement, Amazon would broadcast all NBA games not broadcast on national television for the following teams: Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.

Additionally, in July, Amazon announced an 11-year deal with the NBA and WNBA to be the exclusive streaming provider for 66 nationally televised regular-season games starting in the 2025-2026 season. The deal also includes playoff games.

Diamond has digital rights to five MLB teams on its Bally’s network: the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays. Bally’s also currently broadcasts local games for the Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers, whose contracts expire at the end of the current season.

It’s possible that through Amazon’s distribution deal, Diamond could sign new streaming deals with the final three teams, sources said. MLB has shown interest in launching its own streaming network and has reserved the right to oppose Bally’s restructuring, sources said.

Still, if Diamond reaches that deal with Amazon, he may be able to stop MLB, even if it objects, sources said. Each baseball team has the right to negotiate its own media contracts. Amazon owns a 15% stake in YES Network locally and broadcasts one Yankees game per week.

In the NHL, sources say Amazon is currently in talks to broadcast all local games this season for the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Amazon is currently streaming NHL Prime Monday Night Hockey live in Canada.

It also offers a package of NFL games of the week on Thursday nights, including playoff games.

To emerge from bankruptcy, Diamond must convince a judge that continuing to operate the company will be profitable.

Sources say the argument is that the company could significantly increase its subscriber base by using Amazon.

Diamond’s minority creditors, including Prudential and Fidelity, are expected to invest in Diamond and take over the company if it emerges from bankruptcy.

Bally’s Diamond is also expected to change its name after emerging from bankruptcy. Sports betting site FanDuel is reportedly interested in a naming rights deal, sources said.