Amazon is reportedly set to introduce a new standalone sports app. The Information claims that the massive company has discussed plans to create the app so that customers can watch live sports directly on the product. A potential development in this direction would make sense considering Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s recent comments about the sports industry.
Jassy sat down with the New York Times last month to discuss a myriad of topics. However, her comments on live sports on Amazon Prime Video certainly turned heads.
Amazon CEO claims live sports app can drive subscriptions
“Only Thursday night football if you watch it”, Jassy. “People thought it would be 5.6 million viewers. It has been more than double. It has 20% more audience in the 18-34 demographic, which is really important for a lot of different components.”
The CEO also claimed that more people are signing up for Prime because of the video content on the streaming service.
Jassy was also asked specifically about the importance of sports rights in the world of streaming. “We’ve been doing a lot more there,” Jassy said. “I think you will continue to see us invest in sports. Sport is a unique asset. If you look at the most watched shows every year, sports typically take up 75% of those spots. They drive live engagement and Prime subscriptions.”
It is not yet known if prices will be affected
If eventually released, the app would help highlight the company’s live sports content. As of today, this coverage is currently included in the Amazon Prime Video service.
In potentially bad news for sports fans, Amazon could choose to create different tiers for certain services. Another possibility for users is that this new application becomes a complement to the existing Prime Video platform. Although it remains to be seen how a potential new application will present itself.
Prime Video currently has deals to stream exclusive Premier League and UEFA Champions League games in the UK.
PHOTO: IMAGO / NurPhoto
