Amazon Prime Video is stepping up its holiday advertising game by incorporating live sports into its lineup. Following the success of streaming an NFL game on “Black Friday” in 2023, the streaming service is now adding NBA games to attract more viewers and advertisers during the holiday season.
Jay Marine, global head of sports for Amazon Prime Video, expressed excitement about establishing Black Friday as a sports event featuring both football and basketball games. This move is expected to make Amazon a major player in the fourth quarter of the year, a crucial time for advertising revenue.
By featuring a variety of sports events, Amazon aims to attract advertisers looking to reach a large-scale audience in real-time. The company’s expanding sports portfolio, which includes NBA rights and other sports packages, is designed to keep advertisers engaged throughout the year.
In addition to live sports coverage, Amazon is exploring innovative ways to enhance viewer experience, such as providing customizable on-screen graphics and alternative broadcasts. These efforts have proven successful with “Thursday Night Football,” and Amazon plans to incorporate similar features into its NBA coverage.
As the economy faces uncertainty, Amazon’s sports programming offers advertisers a reliable platform to reach consumers at scale. By investing in live sports content, Amazon is positioning itself as a valuable advertising partner, especially during challenging economic times.
Overall, Amazon Prime Video’s strategic focus on live sports programming is expected to drive viewer engagement and attract advertisers seeking to maximize their reach during the holiday season and beyond. With a diverse sports portfolio and innovative viewing options, Amazon is poised to become a key player in the competitive advertising landscape.