Amazon Prime Video has announced a significant multiyear agreement to become the exclusive local streaming service for six NHL teams during the current season. This development was revealed by the league on Wednesday, marking an important step in the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting.
The teams included in this deal are the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, along with the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues. Fans in these markets will have the opportunity to watch their teams' games live on the platform, which will also feature pre- and post-game coverage to enhance the viewing experience.
Charlie Neiman, the head of sports partnerships at Prime Video, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We’re excited to build upon our strong relationship with the NHL and provide fans with more ways to connect with the local teams they love." This agreement highlights Amazon's commitment to establishing Prime Video as a key destination for sports content.
The NHL's chief media officer, David Proper, emphasized the importance of this partnership in meeting fan demand for accessible team coverage. He noted, "Fans want an easy way to find and follow their favorite teams, and this agreement with Prime Video gives clubs the flexibility to meet that demand as the market evolves." Proper also acknowledged Amazon as a valuable partner in expanding the NHL's reach.
This agreement follows the NHL's announcement in July that it would produce games for several teams, including the Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Wild, and Blues. The collaboration aims to create new opportunities for teams to connect with their fan bases while delivering a premium regional viewing experience.
In addition to local streaming, Amazon Prime Video has expanded its NHL offerings this summer by signing on to broadcast Wednesday night national regular-season games in Canada, available in both English and French. This move further solidifies Amazon's presence in the sports broadcasting arena and reflects the growing trend of streaming services taking a more active role in live sports coverage.
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