Amazon pays $120 million for Emmys streaming deal

Amazon is spending up to $120 million to stream the Emmys on Prime Video, The Verge reports. The six-year deal begins with the 2027 ceremony, and anyone can watch it without a Prime subscription; the stream will be free worldwide.

According to The Verge, which cites Deadline, Amazon is paying about $20-25 million per year. The move is part of a broader trend of streaming services snapping up awards show rights: Netflix has the SAG Awards, and the Oscars are heading to YouTube in 2029.

Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, said in a statement that Prime Video "allows us to build on that legacy with unprecedented global reach."

Amazon's bet is that free access will draw a larger audience than broadcast television ever could. But you will still need to open the Prime Video app or website. And if you weren't watching the Emmys before, a free stream might not change that.

• Amazon
• Emmys
• Prime Video
• streaming
• Television Academy