Amazon is developing a standalone sports app, according to a new report from The Information.
The move signals Amazon’s continued push to invest in Prime Video and live sports content.
If released, a standalone app would better highlight Amazon’s sports content, which is currently part of the company’s main Prime Video platform.
The news comes as Amazon CEO Andy Jassy recently called live sports a “unique asset” that Amazon will continue to invest in.
NFL
Amazon’s current live sports lineup includes exclusive rights to NFL Thursday Night Football along with some Premier League soccer games and Yankees baseball. games.
Amazon has also invested in more sports content to complement live games, as the company launched original sports talk shows on both Prime Video and its ad-supported streaming service Freevee.
It’s not known when Amazon plans to launch a standalone sports app. It is also possible that the company decides to shelve the plans altogether.
Amazon did not respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment.
Company
Amazon’s plans for a standalone sports app suggest the company is exploring new ways to leverage its live sports investment into additional revenue streams.
Given the high cost of streaming rights, it wouldn’t be surprising if the company plans to charge a separate subscription for sports content with this standalone app.
It’s also possible that Amazon may decide to offer a separate subscription tier that includes its sports content.
The new news comes as Amazon reviews parts of its unprofitable divisions, which has led to the elimination of many roles.
Despite these cost-cutting efforts, Amazon seems determined to build Prime Video and its live sports content.
Amazon isn’t the only major company looking to continue investing in live sports content, as the company faces increasing competition from other tech giants that have also made bids for sports streaming. Last week, Google YouTube secured NFL Sunday Ticket in a landmark streaming deal. On the other hand, Apple acquired the rights to Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer games.
Dec 28 (Reuters) – Amazon.com Inc ( AMZN.O ) is working on a separate app to watch sports content, Information reported on Wednesday, citing a source with direct knowledge of the plan.
Sports remain one of the biggest draws for live viewing as US audiences increasingly switch from pay TV subscriptions to streaming apps.
The move is likely to complement Amazon’s efforts to double down on sports programming through its Prime Video service, a key channel for attracting consumers to its shopping platform.
Amazon already owns the rights to stream games, including Thursday’s National Football League franchise and Premier League soccer matches in the U.K., giving it a better chance to compete with sports streaming leader Walt Disney Co ( DIS.N ).
Last week, Alphabet Inc’s ( GOOGL.O ) YouTube unit also signed a multi-year deal to exclusively stream the NFL’s Sunday Ticket game package in the United States.
Sources: Techcrunch | Reuters.com