Amazon Dominates NFL Holiday Slate, Securing Key Games from Black Friday to Christmas
Amazon has solidified its position as a major player in the NFL broadcast landscape, securing a prominent role in the league’s holiday schedule. The streaming giant is set to showcase key matchups during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Black Friday periods, further expanding its reach and influence in the world of professional football. The announcement signals a significant win for Amazon, demonstrating its commitment to sports programming and its ability to attract a large audience during traditionally high-viewership periods.
The highlight of Amazon’s holiday schedule is undoubtedly its Black Friday game, now entering its third year. This year, the Chicago Bears will travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles on Friday, November 29th. The "Black Friday Football" game has quickly become a staple of the NFL calendar, offering fans an exciting matchup on a day typically associated with shopping and holiday deals. The game provides a unique opportunity for Amazon to capitalize on the increased consumer activity during Black Friday, attracting viewers who may be drawn to the game as a break from their shopping sprees.
The announcement of the Bears-Eagles matchup was made by the "Thursday Night Football" studio crew, which includes Charissa Thompson, former NFL player Andrew Whitworth, and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, at a presentation for advertisers. This further emphasizes the importance of the "Thursday Night Football" franchise to Amazon and its commitment to promoting its NFL coverage.
Adding to its impressive holiday lineup, Amazon will also stream a Christmas Day game. The Denver Broncos will face the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 25th. This game is part of a Christmas Day tripleheader, with the first two games being broadcast on Netflix. Amazon’s inclusion in this high-profile event underscores its growing significance in the NFL’s broadcast strategy.
The Chiefs’ appearance on Christmas Day marks the second consecutive year the team has played on the holiday. Last year, they played on a Wednesday, as the NFL strategically scheduled games to compete with the NBA during the holiday season. This demonstrates the NFL’s increasing willingness to schedule games on non-traditional days to maximize viewership and revenue.
The Bears’ prominence during the holiday season extends beyond the Black Friday game. Fox announced earlier that the Bears will also play at the Green Bay Packers during a standalone window on Saturday, December 21st, during Week 16. This additional game further solidifies the Bears’ presence in the national spotlight during the holiday period.
Amazon’s selection of the Chiefs for the Black Friday game also highlights the team’s marketability and popularity. This marks the second consecutive year that Amazon has featured the Chiefs in this key matchup. Last year, the Chiefs defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 19-17 in a thrilling game.
Prime Video vice president and global head of sports and ads Jay Marine expressed his enthusiasm for featuring the Chiefs in the Black Friday game for the second consecutive year. In a statement, he said, "’Black Friday Football’ has quickly emerged as a new tradition on the national sports calendar, and we are ecstatic to feature the Super Bowl champions in this tentpole event for the second year in a row." Marine’s statement emphasizes the significance of the Black Friday game to Amazon and its commitment to providing fans with high-quality NFL content.
Amazon’s strategic acquisition of key NFL games during the holiday season is a testament to its growing influence in the sports broadcasting industry. By securing these games, Amazon is able to attract a large and engaged audience, boost its Prime subscriptions, and generate significant advertising revenue. The company’s investment in sports programming is clearly paying off, as it continues to expand its reach and solidify its position as a major player in the media landscape.
The NFL’s willingness to partner with streaming services like Amazon and Netflix reflects the changing landscape of sports broadcasting. As more and more viewers cut the cord and embrace streaming platforms, the NFL is adapting to meet the changing demands of its audience. By partnering with these digital platforms, the NFL can reach a wider audience and ensure that its games are accessible to fans across the country.
The success of Amazon’s "Thursday Night Football" franchise has paved the way for its increased involvement in the NFL’s holiday schedule. The Thursday night games have proven to be a popular draw for viewers, and Amazon has demonstrated its ability to deliver a high-quality broadcast experience. This success has given the NFL confidence in Amazon’s ability to handle even more high-profile games, such as the Black Friday and Christmas Day matchups.
The increasing presence of streaming services in the NFL landscape is likely to continue in the years to come. As technology evolves and viewing habits change, the NFL will undoubtedly continue to explore new ways to reach its audience and maximize its revenue. Amazon’s success in securing key holiday games is a clear indication that streaming services are here to stay and will play an increasingly important role in the future of NFL broadcasting.
