Published 10/19/2022, 12:30 AM EDT
Billionaire Jeff Bezos has spread his business empire to a conglomerate, notably Amazon. The Washington Post is also another media house that he owns. With their success with streaming the NFL, Amazon is reportedly looking for new pastures to graze. They are said to have an interest in another league. But fans have expressed their distress regarding any future deal.
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In their conquest of growing new grounds in the sports media landscape, they have set their eyes on acquiring the media rights of the NBA. They were reported to show interest and would prove to be a potential acquisition.
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The 11-year deal that Amazon has with the NFL has led to the desire for much more expansion to take place. With the NBA and its loyal fandom meaning people globally will be streaming the games to watch their favorite players, it is little surprise that the media rights are so sought after. Bezos would be looking to carve a space in this league as well.
Basketball’s popularity across the globe, especially in countries like China could be another key factor for Amazon.
Currently, ESPN and TNT have media rights for the NBA. So essentially, Jeff Bezos and Amazon would be able to propose a deal only in the 2025-26 campaign.
NBA fans unhappy with potential Jeff Bezos deal
NBA fans were left horrified at the potential deal. They were unhappy and expressed their disappointment online after the news broke. One fan said that Bezos already ruined The Lord of the Rings, and “now, he is trying to ruin sports”. Many responded that their treatment of the NFL has also not been at par.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
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In 2017, Jeff Bezos acquired the Tolkien estate. Amazon had been a name in the entertainment world by then. Their latest show, ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’, has been criticized by many fans since its first season was recently released.
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Fans were concerned that the NBA would be treated differently as well, in the hands of Amazon.
NBA fans seem to hope that Amazon does not manage to acquire the media rights of the NBA in the future. What do you think of this potential deal? Please share your thoughts on this in the comments below.