The Seattle Kraken announced a new broadcast deal that will bring their games to Amazon Prime Video and Tegna stations KING 5 and KONG in the Seattle area for the upcoming season. This marks a departure from their previous deal with regional cable broadcaster ROOT Sports. Under the new agreements, all non-nationally televised Kraken games, totaling over 70, will be broadcast for free over the air on KING 5 and KONG, as well as streamed on Prime Video for Prime members in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. Amazon’s involvement in the franchise includes naming rights to Climate Pledge Arena, with CEO Andy Jassy as part of the ownership group.
Amazon’s foray into sports streaming rights has been expanding, with deals for NFL games and NASCAR races. Prime subscribers will have access to live sports streams for an additional fee. The addition of Kraken games to Prime Video’s offerings is seen as a way to enhance the value of the service for subscribers in the Pacific Northwest region. The move is considered to be a strategic one for both Amazon and the Kraken, as the tech giant continues to invest in sports content and expand its audience through exclusive streaming deals.
The Kraken’s partnership with KING 5 will make it the official television partner for the team, with a team of broadcasters set to continue covering the games in the upcoming season. Non-nationally televised games will also be broadcast on Tegna’s KONG, with select games simulcast on KING 5. In addition, games will be broadcast for free over the air on other Tegna stations in the Pacific Northwest, including KGW and KREM. This approach is aimed at reaching a wider audience and attracting new fans to the team, following similar strategies implemented by other NHL teams such as the Arizona Coyotes and Las Vegas Golden Knights.
The Seattle Kraken’s move to a new broadcast deal with Amazon Prime Video and Tegna stations reflects a trend in sports broadcasting towards streaming services and over-the-air channels. The partnership brings more accessibility to Kraken games for fans in the Pacific Northwest, as well as expanding the team’s reach to potential new fans. This innovative approach aligns with Amazon’s strategy of investing in premium live sports content and enhancing the value of its Prime Video service. The collaboration between the Kraken and Amazon highlights the growing significance of streaming platforms in the sports media landscape and sets a precedent for future partnerships between sports teams and digital platforms.
