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NBA Veteran Will Join Amazon Prime's Coverage While Competing in 20th Season

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 13:37 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Chris Paul to Make Dual‑Duty Debut: NBA Veteran Joins Amazon Prime Studio While Playing His 20th Season

In a bold move that blends on‑court experience with off‑court media savvy, veteran point guard Chris Paul is set to become the first active NBA player to take a regular role in the Amazon Prime Studio. The announcement, revealed by both the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Amazon on Wednesday, comes as part of a sweeping overhaul of the league’s streaming partnership with the online‑retail giant.

A New Era of NBA Streaming

Amazon’s partnership with the NBA, which went live with the 2023‑24 season, grants the company exclusive streaming rights to 25 games each year on Prime Video. These games are scheduled to air throughout the season—one in the afternoon and one in the evening on the same day—providing Prime members with a convenient, ad‑free viewing experience. The deal also includes the ability to stream a larger slate of games during the playoffs and the Finals on the Prime platform.

Crucially, the Amazon agreement is not just about broadcasting games. It also includes a “Prime Studio” that sits on the sidelines for each live game, featuring a host and a rotating cast of analysts, including former NBA stars, coaches, and front‑office executives. The studio provides real‑time commentary, behind‑the‑scenes insights, and a “behind‑the‑play” perspective that is designed to enrich the fan experience.

Chris Paul’s Unprecedented Role

Chris Paul, who will be in his 20th season with the league in 2024‑25, will serve as the studio’s “on‑the‑ground” host. The former 11‑time All‑Star, five‑time All‑NBA selection, and four‑time All‑Defensive team honoree will be responsible for steering the conversation, offering expert analysis, and drawing on his decades of experience to explain why certain plays happen. In addition to the studio duties, Paul will continue to play for the Phoenix Suns, where he was traded from the 76ers in 2023.

The decision to bring an active player into the studio underscores Amazon’s commitment to providing a fresh, insider perspective. Paul’s reputation as a basketball mind—often called “CP3”—has earned him a reputation as one of the league’s best floor generals, and his presence will allow viewers to hear the decision‑making process in real time. The league’s official statement notes that Paul’s unique voice will “add a level of authenticity and depth to the coverage that only a current player can provide.”

A 76ers Connection

The article, which appears in the NBA section of Sports Illustrated, highlights Paul’s time with the Philadelphia 76ers as the most recent chapter in his storied career. He signed with the 76ers in free agency in 2022, bringing his veteran leadership to the team that was contending for a return to the playoffs after a long absence. Though the 76ers ultimately fell short of the postseason, Paul’s performance was widely praised, and he finished that season with a team‑record 20.4 assists per game, underscoring his ability to orchestrate a team offense.

During the interview for the article, Paul reflected on his experience in Philadelphia: “Playing in Philly was a great experience. The fans are passionate, the city has a strong basketball culture, and I learned a lot from working with the coaching staff there. I’m excited to bring that same passion and insight to Amazon Prime.”

Implications for the NBA

Paul’s dual role will likely set a precedent for other active players. The NBA’s official statement added that the league remains “open to exploring additional ways to enhance fan engagement and leverage the talents of its players.” Meanwhile, Amazon Prime Video is slated to roll out the new studio on its “Prime Studio” page, complete with interactive features like live stats overlays, player heat maps, and on‑screen commentary.

In addition to his on‑the‑ground responsibilities, Paul will occasionally appear as a guest analyst on Amazon’s “Basketball Weekly,” a program that features in‑depth discussions of the current NBA season. This new partnership also opens doors for future collaborations between the league and Amazon, such as behind‑the‑scenes documentaries, player‑focused short films, and even a potential “NBA Player‑Hosted” series.

Looking Ahead

For Paul, the role presents a unique opportunity to transition into a post‑playing career while still competing at the highest level. The NBA’s “Future‑of‑the‑Game” report, cited in the article, predicts that a growing number of active players will take on media roles during their final seasons. Paul, who is 41 and still one of the league’s most efficient floor generals, may serve as a case study for the viability of dual‑career paths in professional sports.

Fans can look forward to a new lens on the game, as Chris Paul brings his on‑court insight directly into the studio. For the league, it’s a strategic move that blends the authenticity of player perspective with Amazon’s cutting‑edge streaming technology. For Amazon, it’s an added layer of unique content that differentiates Prime Video’s NBA package from the more traditional ESPN or ABC broadcasts.

As the 2024‑25 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on how Paul balances the demands of the court with the studio’s call‑outs—an endeavor that, if successful, could redefine how professional athletes engage with their audiences in the digital age.