This past season, the Week 16 broadcast between the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals was exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, and the experience received mixed reviews. It was also made available for free on Twitch, giving viewers an additional option in finding a way to watch the game. However, those were the only options for fans outside the Bay Area, where a local broadcast was allowed.
While some innovations, like the ability to switch between announcing teams, were welcome additions, some fans complained about quality issues, and others noticed the lack of a rewind or pause feature. That meant if you missed a play, you were out of luck.
The Sports Business Journal also reported that Thursday Night Football would move from Fox to Amazon Prime Video and NFL Network. While that gives some viewers an alternative — NFL Network — to the streaming platform, The Streamable reports that only "a select number of games" would air on the league's official broadcast channel.
Amazon Prime Video was already streaming Thursday Night Football games as a simulcast partner. An exclusive deal would take Fox and any broadcast network other than NFL Network out of the picture. According to the New York Post, if Amazon wins the exclusive rights, it will likely hire a separate production team.
The NFL continues its broadcast rights negotiations, which will help shape this year's salary cap and future salary caps.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Brandon Aiyuk's agent after 49ers meeting: 'To be continued'
It sounds like the saga between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk won't be resolved today, although that was never expected. The two sides met Friday, and Aiyuk's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, offered a brief update before leaving the team's business offices in... -
49ers' John Lynch reveals how he learned DeForest Buckner trade was complete
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch admits he was a little disappointed as he entered the bye week. He had hoped to hear back from the Indianapolis Colts about defensive tackle DeForest Buckner before boarding a flight to his hometown of San Diego. Lynch likely had... -
49ers' Brant Boyer nominated for 2026 Salute to Service Award
The NFL and USAA have announced the 2026 nominees for the Salute to Service Award, honoring those who go above and beyond in supporting the military and veteran communities. Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer has been named the San Francisco 49ers' nominee for this year's... -
49ers' John Lynch explains why Jauan Jennings trade fell through
On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reports that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings had turned down an opportunity to return to the San Francisco 49ers via trade. However, Shanahan's explanation suggested the situation was less about Jennings rejecting...