Amazon Prime is ramping up its NBA coverage ahead of its first season broadcasting the league, adding seasoned journalists and analysts to its growing roster.
The network confirmed to Front Office Sports that Chris Haynes and Marcus Thompson will join Amazon’s NBA team. Haynes, a veteran NBA insider, will cover league news, while Thompson will focus on feature reporting.
Haynes has built a reputation over years at ESPN, Yahoo Sports, and TNT Sports/Bleacher Report. Establishing himself as a go-to source for breaking news and insider perspectives. Thompson, a columnist and reporter for The Athletic in the Bay Area, will maintain his position with the New York Times–owned outlet while contributing feature coverage for Amazon.
The network has been actively assembling a star-studded lineup of on-air talent. Current 76ers guard Kyle Lowry was added as an analyst last week. He joins former NBA players Rudy Gay and Jim Jackson.
The play-by-play team will feature Ian Eagle, Kevin Harlan, Michael Grady, and Eric Collins. Color commentary will be handled by Stan Van Gundy, Candace Parker, Dell Curry, and Brent Barry. Meanwhile, Cassidy Hubbarth, Kristina Pink, JayDee Dyer, and Allie Clifton will serve as sideline reporters. Providing on-the-ground updates and interviews throughout games.
Amazon’s studio programming is anchored by Taylor Rooks, with analysts Blake Griffin and Dirk Nowitzki offering pregame and postgame insights. In a unique dual role, Dwyane Wade, Steve Nash, and Candace Parker will contribute both in the studio and during live game commentary. Providing viewers with perspectives from multiple vantage points.
Prime Video’s exclusive NBA coverage begins Friday, October 24, with an opening week doubleheader. Additional production details will be announced in the coming months. The NBA signed its 11-year media rights deal with Disney, NBC and Amazon Prime Video in July of last year after saying it was not accepting Warner Bros. Discovery’s $1.8 billion per year offer to continue its longtime relationship with the league.
This is Amazon Prime’s first season of broadcasting the National Basketball Association under a new 11-year media rights deal reportedly worth $1.93 billion per year. The company will be televising weekly regular-season games. Also the NBA SoFi Play-In Tournament, Emirates NBA Cup, and an exclusive Black Friday game, among other events.
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