Verizon is not alone. Add Amazon to the list of tech companies interested in entering into a strategic partnership with ESPN.
The Information reports that the tech giant and ESPN have discussed a minority stake in the network. It would also give ESPN the backing of Amazon as it continues to develop a direct-to-consumer offering. Talks, however, have been described as preliminary at this point.
While the advantage for ESPN is obvious, the motivation for Amazon to secure a deal are clear too. Following last year’s debut of Thursday Night Football, the company has been vocal about its intention to add more sports rights to Prime Video. It is expected to be a major player in rights negotiations with the NBA and NASCAR. Bringing ESPN along to the negotiating table could strengthen Prime Video’s position.
A DTC version of ESPN will certainly not be inexpensive. If it were an included feature of Prime Video or built into an Amazon Firestick, that could certainly entice more people to purchase those products.
