Atlanta Hawks Prime Video deal marks first exclusive NBA local streaming
The Atlanta Hawks have signed a deal with Amazon to make Prime Video the exclusive streaming home for local games during the 2026-27 season. This move marks the first time an NBA team has shifted its local broadcast rights exclusively to a major streaming platform while maintaining a separate over-the-air distribution agreement with Gray Media.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Video will exclusively stream 74 regular-season Hawks games not reserved for national broadcasts.
- Gray Media will continue providing free over-the-air coverage on WANF and Peachtree Sports Network.
- The agreement covers a regional territory spanning Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Mississippi.
- The shift follows the collapse of Main Street Sports Group, which ceased operations on September 30, 2026.
Why It Matters
This partnership represents a significant shift in regional sports distribution as traditional regional sports networks (RSNs) face insolvency. By moving local rights to a major streamer while retaining over-the-air access, the Hawks are bypasssing the crumbling cable bundle to prioritize reach and accessibility. The move aligns with Amazon's broader strategy to integrate local sports into its existing national NBA package, which already includes the NBA Cup and Play-In Tournament. For the wider industry, this serves as a pilot for how teams might navigate the transition to a centralized NBA local streaming hub expected in 2027. Watch for whether other NBA franchises follow this hybrid streaming and broadcast model as existing RSN contracts expire.
In short
The Atlanta Hawks have partnered with Prime Video to make the platform the exclusive streaming home for 74 local games during the 2026-27 season. This historic deal bypasses traditional regional sports networks, prioritizing accessibility by combining Prime Video streaming with free over-the-air broadcasts provided by Gray Media for fans across the region.
FAQ
How many Atlanta Hawks games will stream on Prime Video?
Prime Video will exclusively stream 74 regular-season Atlanta Hawks games that are not reserved for national broadcasts.
Will Atlanta Hawks games still be available on free television?
Yes, Gray Media will continue to provide free over-the-air coverage of Hawks games on WANF and the Peachtree Sports Network.
What regions are covered by the Atlanta Hawks Prime Video deal?
The agreement covers a regional territory that includes Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Mississippi.
Why did the Atlanta Hawks move to this new streaming model?
The move follows the collapse of Main Street Sports Group and reflects a broader industry shift away from unstable regional sports networks toward hybrid models that prioritize reach and accessibility.
Read full article at cordcuttersnews.com
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