More Trouble for ESPN as Amazon to Go Bullish in Live Sports With Thursday Night Football

Published 08/23/2023, 11:12 AM EDT

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ESPN has been the go-to place for broadcasting various sports in America. But their dominance has come under question numerous times, with the most recent one coming from a newbie in the industry. Amazon, the tech giant that seems to excel in everything it touches, is gearing up to increase its live sports viewership with a bigger and bolder approach to ‘Thursday Night Football’ (TNF) this season.

Ad revenue flows for Amazon as Hollywood strikes persist

Picture this: The Hollywood strikes are causing a stir, and guess who’s reaping the rewards? Amazon, that’s who! Jay Marine, the VP of Prime Video and global head of sports, proudly states that the strikes are redirecting advertising dollars toward live sports. And let’s face it–nothing gets the heart racing quite like live sports. Amazon’s not just getting its fair share of ad dollars; it’s getting more than it bargained for.

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After a few fumbles during its debut NFL ‘Thursday Night Football’ season on Prime Video, Amazon is roaring back with confidence. They’ve set the stage for an action-packed season that promises not only key matchups but also newfangled ad offerings that are bound to keep you glued to the screen.

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According to Business Insider, Amazon’s playbook includes some killer moves in the advertising game. With the strikes prompting advertisers to shift around 20% of their TV budgets, Amazon is capitalizing on this opportunity.

The company’s prowess isn’t just in ad dollars; it’s in flexibility. Advertisers can now tailor their commercials to different audience segments, maximizing impact like never before. Toyota, for instance, could target families with minivans in one slot and truck enthusiasts in another – a game-changing move in the ad world.

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But Amazon is not only matching the advertising rates of NFL bigwigs like Fox and ESPN but also slashing its ad prices considerably. This bold move is a striking shift from last year’s attempt to charge a premium. Ad execs are singing praises about Amazon’s more favorable stance this year, making it a prime choice for advertisers.

But how exactly have they changed the game?

How has Amazon revolutionized audience targeting?

Amazon’s success in Thursday Night Football adds more vows to ESPN’s recent troubles. The network, which had been a monetary powerhouse, is grappling with declining revenue. While still profitable, Disney’s plans involve selling a stake and steering ESPN toward a digital streaming future. However, the future plan remains unclear.

Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, is seeking strategic partners for distribution. Recently, former execs Tom Staggs and Kevin Mayer have been brought back to aid in this transition.

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This year, Amazon has introduced a game-changer–new audience targeting capabilities. This strategic move could revolutionize its live-streaming business. The ability to test dynamic advertising and diversify strategies opens doors to broader possibilities. Imagine Amazon venturing beyond football; the Emmys could be just the beginning.

And don’t worry, Prime members. Despite cost-cutting measures, ‘TNF’ remains a priority. The show not only helped attract new Prime members but also brought in a younger audience, breathing fresh life into NFL viewership. The commitment is unwavering, as Amazon aims to make the most of its 11-year investment.

Amazon’s playbook for ‘Thursday Night Football’ is a well-thought-out masterpiece. The $11 billion deal with the NFL is a testament to Amazon’s aspiration to be a dominant force in sports broadcasting. While Amazon did have a few hiccups during its first run, forgiveness was abundant, given the learning curve both for the company and the audience.

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So, dear readers, are you ready for an electrifying ‘Thursday Night Football’ season like never before? Can Amazon conquer the sports broadcasting arena with its new strategies? Share your thoughts below!

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Written by:

Kumar Rohan

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Kumar Rohan is a writer at EssentiallySports who covers Sports Viral Moments. He is a sports journalist with a knack for writing. His sports expertise comes in handy when he breaks down events skilfully, in his own style.
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Edited by:

Amal Joyce