Fans of Detroit sports teams can rejoice as Amazon Prime gears up to deliver some exciting new streaming options. Beginning December 5, viewers will be able to catch games from the Detroit Pistons, Red Wings, and even the Tigers—all from the comfort of their living rooms or on the go, thanks to this innovative deal.
The partnership was announced by Diamond Sports Group, the company behind the newly rebranded FanDuel Sports Network, signaling a shift in how fans access their favorite sports. Previously, these teams were under the Bally Sports branding, but the recent rebranding aims to create fresh engagements with fans across various platforms.
This move follows Amazon’s earlier strategy to step heavily invested in regional sports networks, with significant sums leading to the inclusion of local Major League Baseball games on its platform. The NBA was seen as the next logical step, and with this new agreement, fans won't be left out. They'll have multiple options to catch all the live action.
This new streaming option is not just about ease of access; it also introduces flexible purchasing options for fans. Specifically, single games can be accessed through the Prime platform for $6.99, allowing those who may not want to subscribe to pay only for the games they want to watch. For dedicated fans, there will also be season-long and monthly subscription plans available, but specific pricing details are still awaited.
Regional viewership is also on the rise, as fans living within the designated areas of each respective team will be able to subscribe to the FanDuel Sports Network through Amazon at an additional price. This strategy aims to keep local audiences connected to their teams, whether they’re watching from home or on the go.
David Preschlack, CEO of Diamond, underscored the significance of this partnership with Amazon Prime, stating, "Partnering with Prime Video, one of the largest streaming destinations in the U.S., and making FanDuel Sports Network available as part of their add-on subscriptions, creates a tremendous opportunity for us to expand our reach and connect with viewers. Our partnerships with Prime Video and FanDuel combine with agreements with team, league, and distribution partners to support our reorganization process and continue driving long-term value for fans and partners."
Notably, the backdrop of this announcement is worth mentioning. Diamond Sports Group had faced financial challenges last year, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2023. But thanks to strategic investments—most prominently from Amazon—Diamond was able to recover, regain stability, and now transform how regional sports are consumed. A reorganization plan approval by Judge Christopher Lopez also marked the first significant step toward revival.
"The fans living within each team's designated geographic area will have options available for subscription through the FanDuel Sports Network, adding even more access to our fan base," the announcement detailed, hinting at the possibilities for increased engagement and viewership for subscribers.
For sports enthusiasts, this agreement signifies just the beginning of exciting developments. With more content being available on popular platforms like Amazon Prime, the viewing experience is about to evolve significantly for fans of the Detroit Pistons, Red Wings, and Tigers.
This new arrangement not only shakes up the local sports viewing scene but also serves as part of a broader trend where traditional cable subscriptions are losing steam to more flexible digital platforms. The convenience of streaming matches at varying price points—with no need for long-term commitments—might just be what many fans have been clamoring for.
So as the sports calendar rolls out, look out for those upcoming games streaming via Amazon Prime, starting this December. Whether you're at home or traveling, catching the game on your device will soon be just clicks away—an opportunity many fans have been waiting for!
Meanwhile, on the eastern seaboard, another significant transition is also taking place. The Charlotte Hornets are set to join this streaming revolution as well. Also on December 5, Prime Video will begin streaming Hornets games as part of its sports offerings, allowing Charlotte fans to catch their team, which they might have struggled to find previously.
Diamond Sports, having secured their regional sports networks under the FanDuel banner, is making local NBA action as accessible as it gets. This kind of cross-platform development hints at the growing strategy aimed at keeping regional audiences engaged with local teams—whether it's the Hornets down South or the Pistons up North.
So, as sports viewing shifts from cable to streaming, fans everywhere have reason to keep their streaming apps ready for action. The combination of greater access, flexible viewing options, and the thrill of catching every play live makes the future of sports broadcasting look very promising.
