Key Takeaways:
- PBC, with its stable of renowned boxers, is reportedly discussing a streaming deal with Amazon Prime.
- Showtime, PBC’s current broadcaster, is set to exit the regular boxing broadcasting scene by the end of the year.
- The potential PBC-Amazon partnership could usher in a new era of streaming for major boxing events.
Exploring New Arenas: PBC and Amazon Prime in Discussion
In the dynamic landscape of sports broadcasting, a notable shift is on the horizon as Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) reportedly engages in discussions for a potentially pivotal streaming agreement with Amazon Prime.
Transition from Traditional Broadcasting
As Showtime, PBC’s current broadcasting partner, gears up to depart from the boxing broadcasting business at the close of this year, there emerges a void and, consequently, an opportunity within the broadcasting domain. Though it’s postulated that Showtime might continue to broadcast major Pay-Per-View (PPV) bouts on an occasional basis, the regular boxing events are destined to find a new home.
Showtime Boxing is not expected to renew its contract with PBC at the end of this year.
Amazon Prime has reportedly held talks with PBC about a potential boxing broadcast deal. 🥊🥊 pic.twitter.com/3rDjyhN6B5
— MyBookie – Bet With The Best (@MyBookie) October 4, 2023
Amazon Prime: A Potential Power Player
Sports Illustrated reporter Chris Mannix shares insights into the ongoing dialogues between PBC and Amazon Prime, offering a glimpse into the potential future of boxing broadcasts.
“I do know that PBC has talked to Amazon. I believe that’s their preferred destination. They’d prefer to do a deal with Amazon,”
Mannix revealed on his podcast, highlighting that Amazon has progressively steeped its toes into the sporting world over recent years.
The exact shape and form that Amazon Prime might adopt, whether aspiring to become a Showtime-esque boxing provider or focusing on singular, high-profile events, remains an unfolding story. However, the engagement between PBC officials and Amazon hints at burgeoning possibilities.
I don't know anything about the PBC/Amazon Prime rumors…but here in Mexico, PBC fights are already bundled into Amazon Prime w/ Fox Sports content…
— Paul Magno (@Boxing_Tribune) October 4, 2023
The Impact on Big-Name Boxers
The PBC stable, housing renowned names like Gervonta Davis, Canelo Alvarez, and Deontay Wilder, and now also collaborating with Terence Crawford, represents a significant treasure trove within the boxing sphere. A partnership with a global streaming giant like Amazon Prime not only bodes the potential to usher these athletes into even more widespread digital audiences but also signals a remarkable intersection where traditional sportscasting meets contemporary streaming platforms.
Jeff Bezos Net worth: $160billion
Len Blavatnik Net worth: $29billion
Al Haymon at the PBC x Amazon launch presser : “I would be petrified if I was in this market and I wasn’t with Amazon, honestly!” pic.twitter.com/VBT5WZHfxD
— Curtis_P (@CurtP_) October 4, 2023
In the context of this transition, the future dealings and official confirmations from PBC and Amazon Prime are keenly awaited, holding the promise to reshape the way boxing fans across the globe engage with and consume their favorite sport. Will the ensuing rounds of talks result in a deal that potentially redefines boxing viewership on a global scale? The forthcoming announcements from PBC and Amazon will undoubtedly be closely monitored by boxing aficionados and industry stakeholders alike.