Amazon just doubled down on its sports streaming strategy, announcing that Prime Video will stream 44 NBA G League games this season starting December 1. The move comes as the tech giant looks to build on its existing NBA partnership and compete more aggressively with traditional sports broadcasters in the streaming wars.
Amazon is making its next play in the streaming sports arena. The company announced today that Prime Video will stream 44 NBA G League games this season, kicking off December 1 with a matchup between the Osceola Magic and Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
The announcement comes just months after Amazon launched its NBA coverage, signaling the company's commitment to building a comprehensive sports streaming ecosystem. With traditional cable viewership declining and streaming services battling for exclusive content, Amazon's move into developmental league basketball represents a strategic bet on younger demographics and basketball's growing global appeal.
The G League package includes 11 total doubleheaders and 18 single-game nights across the regular season, plus four postseason games running through March 28. The South Bay Lakers - the Los Angeles Lakers' affiliate - will make seven regular-season appearances on Prime, the most of any team. The Santa Cruz Warriors and Magic each secured five regular-season slots.
"More than half of all players on end-of-season 2024-25 NBA rosters boasted NBA G League experience," according to Amazon's announcement. That stat highlights why developmental league coverage could prove valuable - viewers get early looks at future NBA stars before they break into the main league.
The timing isn't coincidental. Amazon's been systematically building its sports portfolio, from Thursday Night Football to golf's The Masters. Adding G League games creates year-round basketball content without the massive price tag of additional NBA games. It's a smart play that gives Prime Video more reasons for subscribers to stick around during traditionally slower viewing periods.
For Amazon, the G League deal represents relatively low-cost content that still carries the NBA brand. While the company hasn't disclosed financial terms, developmental league rights typically cost a fraction of major league deals. That's crucial as streaming services face increased scrutiny over content spending and path to profitability.
The games will be available worldwide on Prime Video across hundreds of compatible devices, from smartphones to smart TVs. Prime membership runs $14.99 monthly or $139 annually, with the company offering discounted rates for young adults and qualifying government assistance recipients.
