Amazon pays $120 million to stream Emmys for free on Prime Video
Amazon has secured a major deal to stream the Emmys for free on Prime Video. The agreement spans six years, starting with the 2027 ceremony, which will air in September of that year. Unlike typical Prime Video content, viewers won’t need a subscription to watch the Emmys, as the stream will be free worldwide.
The deal reportedly cost Amazon between $20-25 million per year, totaling around $120 million over the six-year period. Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that Prime Video will provide 'unprecedented global reach' and support the academy’s mission year-round.
This move aligns with a broader trend of streaming services acquiring live events to boost their offerings. Netflix, for example, has secured the rights to the SAG awards, while the Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029. Streaming platforms are also dominating the Emmys, with Apple TV winning the most awards this year, led by the series Widow’s Bay, which took home 14 accolades.