Amazon joins BT and Sky as Premier League broadcaster

The online retailer will livestream all 10 matches from one bank holiday of matches and another 10 from a midweek fixture programme for three seasons from 2019.

The move represents the first time that livestreaming of matches has been offered by the Premier League in a strategy developed by chief executive Richard Scudamore.

It is not Amazon’s first foray into streaming sports online as, in April, the company shelled out tens of millions of dollars for exclusive UK rights to the US Open tennis tournament, giving Prime Video subscribers the ability to watch three of the four grand slams after a deal with Eurosport provided access to the Australian and French Open tournaments.

Elsewhere, the company also streams ATP World Tour events and NFL games.

BT Sport purchased its package, which takes its total offering per season to 52 games, for £90m and Sky will broadcast 128 live games.

A deal in February saw the two companies secure 160 matches between them for a total of £4.5bn.

Bidding wars between the two companies have resulted in price inflation of 70% at the past two auctions, with the total cost of the broadcasting rights shooting from £1.78bn for 2010-2013 to £5.13bn for 2018-2019.

Andy Haworth, managing director for content and strategy for BT’s consumer division, said: “The fantastic sport our customers can view continues to grow. Today’s Premier League announcement, and the recent deal with NOW TV, means BT TV customers will have access to all of the best exclusively live sporting action in the UK. We look forward to continuing as a partner of the Premier League and showcasing the most exciting league in the world.”

As of 1247 BST, Amazon’s shares were down 0.04% at $1,695.75 and BT’s shares were down 0.56% at 204.00p.