It’s the second such move from the platform, after an earlier plan to stream the New York Yankees
Amazon Prime Video has become the official video streaming partner of MLS side Seattle Sounders.
The deal means that the OTT platform will now stream all non-nationally broadcast Sounders matches in their home broadcast territory of Washington State. The agreement starts with the 26 August match against LA Galaxy, and runs until the end of the 2022 MLS season.
This is the second such agreement that Prime Video have made with a sports franchise, and could signal a future plan for the platform to look at local media rights deals. Last year, the platform bought a minority stake in the regional sports network home of the New York Yankees, the YES Network, and had planned to stream 21 Yankees games in the New York metro area. However, this was cancelled after the Covid-19 crisis shortened the MLB season.
Marie Donoghue, vice president of global sports video at Amazon, said of the Sounders deal: “We’re excited to join forces with Sounders FC to give Prime members around Washington State access to all regionally broadcast MLS matches on Prime Video over the next three seasons.
“Sounders FC is a fundamental part of our culture here in the Pacific Northwest, and as a club they have always been at the forefront of innovation in professional sports. We share this common vision for innovation at Prime Video, and are committed to delighting fans and enhancing the value of a Prime membership through sports, and we believe this deal accomplishes just that.”
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer added: “This is a proud day for our club, as we’re now able to bring our fans Sounders FC matches on the world’s premier video streaming service through a company that is synonymous with our city’s culture. On behalf of our organization, I am thrilled to welcome Amazon and Prime Video to the Sounders family.”