FanDuel Sports Network is now available on Prime Video, providing local sports fans another way to access in-market NBA, NHL, and MLB games.
After months of speculation and negotiations, Main Street Sports Group has officially launched its FanDuel Sports Network regional sports network (RSN) streaming service on Amazon Prime Video. The service costs $19.99 per month and allows subscribers in 31 states to watch live, local NBA, NHL, and MLB games without a traditional cable package.
A Strategic Expansion for RSNs
This move represents a significant expansion in the distribution of RSN content. As cable and satellite providers continue to cut back on RSN carriage, direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming has become an essential revenue stream. However, uptake has been mixed, with pricing and app stability concerns limiting adoption. By integrating FanDuel Sports Network into Prime Video Channels, Main Street Sports Group is tapping into Amazon’s massive subscriber base and user-friendly billing system, potentially making it easier for fans to sign up and remain engaged.
“We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to serve our teams and viewers,” said Eric Ratchman, President of Distribution and Business Development for Main Street Sports Group. “This relationship with Prime Video gives fans another way to watch their favorite local teams and underscores the essential role our distribution partners play in driving our future growth. We’re excited to offer a seamless and convenient way to stay in the game.”
The Cost of Live Local Sports on Prime Video
The FanDuel Sports Network subscription via Prime Video costs $19.99 per month, with options to pay $125 for a single sports season or $190 for a full year. In markets where multiple FanDuel RSNs are available, fans can bundle them for $30 per month. A seven-day free trial is also available for new subscribers.
Though the price may seem steep, RSNs are banking on the idea that dedicated sports fans will see value in access to dozens of live games per month, especially as traditional pay-TV options become more uncertain.
A Long Road to the Deal
This partnership has been a long time coming. Discussions between Amazon and what was then Diamond Sports Group (now Main Street Sports Group) began over a year ago, with initial reports suggesting that Amazon might take an equity stake in the RSNs. However, as Diamond Sports navigated Chapter 11 bankruptcy, those plans were scrapped.
Now, with Main Street Sports Group emerging from bankruptcy and rebranding the service under the FanDuel Sports Network name, the Amazon deal has finally materialized.
What This Means for the Future of RSNs
The non-exclusive nature of the agreement means that Prime Video is just one of several ways fans can access FanDuel Sports Network. However, its inclusion on such a widely used platform could serve as a litmus test for the viability of direct-to-consumer RSNs. If adoption is strong, it could encourage more leagues and media companies to follow suit with similar deals.
Main Street Sports Group still holds the local rights to 29 teams across the NBA, NHL, and MLB, making it a significant player in the RSN space. As the industry continues to shift away from traditional cable models, partnerships like this will be crucial in determining the future of regional sports streaming.
For now, sports fans in eligible markets can sign up for FanDuel Sports Network through Prime Video—offering a potentially more stable and seamless way to follow their local teams.
