NBA signs exclusivity deal with Prime Video for NBA League Pass
NBA signs exclusivity deal with Prime Video for NBA League Pass
It appears that Prime Video could be the only way to sign up for NBA League Pass going forward.
With the NBA season getting rolling in October, fans are likely considering signing up for NBA League Pass again this year. League Pass lets viewers watch any out-of-market NBA game not appearing on a national channel or streaming service like ESPN, NBC, or Prime Video. Amazon’s streamer is a new NBA broadcast partner this year, and looks to be taking over sole distribution duties for NBA League Pass as well.
Key Details:
- Not on YouTube: Google has warned customers that NBA League Pass will no longer be available on YouTube TV as of Sept. 30.
- NBA still helping?: It appears the NBA will continue to distribute League Pass itself, as well.
- Multiple options: Viewers can sign up for NBA League Pass for as little as $14 per month.
At the very least, Amazon seems poised to become the only third-party platform helping to distribute NBA League Pass in 2025. A post on the YouTube Help Center details that after Sept. 30, YouTube TV and YouTube TV Primetime Channels will no longer be able to sell NBA League Pass or WNBA League Pass. The post also says that the league has signed an “exclusivity agreement” with Amazon to distribute the out-of-market service.
It does appear that the NBA itself will likely continue to sell NBA League Pass. On the NBA’s support website, the league says that “In addition to purchasing League Pass on NBA.com, fans in select countries have the option to purchase NBA League Pass through Amazon Prime Video Channels!” The United States is listed as one of the available countries.
That article was updated six days ago, so there’s a decent chance it reflets the most recent policy of the NBA regarding distribution of NBA League Pass. I think the most likely scenario here is that Prime Video is the sole third-party platform where viewers can sign up for NBA League Pass now, leaving other partners like YouTube TV and Fubo in the dust. The NBA will also continue to distribute the service going forward, but no other third parties will be allowed to do so.
The Streamable has reached out to Amazon for confirmation of this arrangement and will update this article if/when we receive a reply. It does make plenty of sense that Prime Video and the NBA would agree to a closer partnership with NBA League Pass this season; the NBA welcomed Prime Video as a broadcast partner last summer, and will begin streaming live regular season and playoff games starting in October.
Viewers can sign up for one of three NBA League Pass plans through Prime Video. The service offers Team Pass, with access to just one NBA team’s out-of-market games for $14 per month, League Pass with all out-of-market games for $17, or League Pass Premium with bonus features for $25 per month.
Were you getting NBA League Pass through a pay-TV streamer like Fubo or YouTube TV? Let us know how you feel about having to sign up on Prime Video or through the NBA itself this year.
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Prime Video
Prime Video is a subscription video streaming service that includes on-demand access to 10,000+ movies, TV shows, and Prime Originals like “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” “Jack Ryan,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Boys,” and more. Subscribers can also add third-party services like Max, Showtime, STARZ, and dozens more with Prime Video Channels. Prime Video also offers exclusive live access to NFL Thursday Night Football.
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NBA League Pass
For passionate basketball aficionados, NBA League Pass stands as the premier destination for immersing yourself in the thrilling world of professional basketball. It offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to meticulously follow every move of your favorite team throughout the season or broaden your horizons to catch every game played across the entire league. It’s important to note that, due to broadcasting rights, blackout restrictions may apply to games that are televised locally or aired on national channels.
