Amazon has had a massive push for sports properties on Prime Video in recent years, but one of the most important decision-makers in its effort to control sports streaming is leaving the company.
Marie Donoghue, Amazon (AMZN) – Get a free report vice president of global sports video, leaves after five years at the tech giant, according to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.
Donoghue was second in command in her role, behind Jay Marine, vice president of Prime Video and global head of sports. According to Marchand, Donoghue was Amazon Sports' highest-ranking executive in sports broadcasting.
There is no report yet on what Donoghue will pursue next.
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Before joining Amazon in 2018, she spent nearly two decades at ESPN, serving in roles as executive vice president, global business and content strategy. It was there that she spearheaded some notable ESPN content such as Grantland and “30 for 30.”
With Amazon, Donoghue's most notable achievement is the acquisition and early returns of the NFL's “Thursday Night Football,” which the company began streaming last year. Amazon acquired the rights to “Thursday Night Football” for about $1 billion a year through 2033, a hefty price tag but an investment that's off to a good start.
Prime Video has streamed 30 NFL games over the past two seasons and recently announced that it averaged 11.86 million viewers this year, up 24% from last year.
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While the numbers are still millions away from linear television networks, Prime Video's ability to capture more than ten million viewers per game while being behind Amazon's paywall has been a positive sign for the NFL and its association with streaming services.
Amazon has been leaning toward acquiring more live sports properties both in the United States and internationally and is reportedly a leading candidate to acquire some streaming rights for the NBA when its next media rights deal comes into effect starting with the 2025-26 season.
However, it seems that Amazon will have to try to maneuver those negotiations without one of its most influential executives.
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