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Amazon Prime Video Expands into Live NFL, MLB, and College Football with 'The Skins Game'

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Sports Media Spotlight: From NFL Showdowns to NBA Thrillers and Amazon’s Streaming Ambitions

The Chicago Sun‑Times’ latest sports‑media roundup, published on November 27, 2025, is a whirlwind tour of the week’s most compelling broadcast news, game previews, and emerging trends in sports entertainment. The piece is organized like a well‑structured bulletin board, with each paragraph spotlighting a distinct thread—whether it’s the high‑stakes Bears‑Eagles showdown, the newest streaming push by Amazon Prime Video, or the evolving roles of veteran broadcasters Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article’s key points, including follow‑on context from linked sources.


1. Amazon Prime Video’s Bold Expansion into Live Sports

The article opens with Amazon’s most ambitious streaming move yet: a multi‑year rights deal that will see the platform stream live coverage of the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), and select college‑football games under a brand dubbed “The Skins Game.” The deal, announced by Amazon’s chief sports officer, is designed to capture the “Friday‑night” viewership that has traditionally favored cable networks.

Key details: - NFL: Amazon will broadcast 10–12 games per season, focusing on marquee matchups such as the Bears vs. Eagles, the Buccaneers vs. 49ers, and the Packers vs. Saints. The platform promises “immersive, multi‑camera angles” and “interactive commentary feeds.” - MLB: The partnership will feature “Prime‑Exclusive” MLB Sunday games, with a focus on rivalries like the Yankees vs. Red Sox and the Dodgers vs. Cubs. - College Football: “The Skins Game” will spotlight classic matchups from the Big Ten, ACC, and SEC. According to the linked press release, the series will incorporate behind‑the‑scenes content and player‑generated highlights.

The Sun‑Times notes that the streaming service has already signed “high‑profile personalities” to host and commentate, setting the stage for a shift away from traditional broadcast‑centric models. Fans are urged to subscribe to the “Prime Video Sports Bundle,” which includes a free month of the service during the NFL’s regular season.


2. Black Friday Sports Deals: Tickets, Bundles, and Digital Perks

The next section dives into the commercial side of sports media, focusing on Black Friday promotions across the league. The article highlights deals from the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and several NBA teams:

  • Bears & Eagles: Both franchises are offering a “Buy‑one‑Get‑one” ticket deal for Sunday afternoon games, with an option to upgrade to a Prime Video stream at a discounted rate.
  • NBA Bundles: The Knicks, Lakers, Bucks, and Mavericks are all running “Super‑Saver” packages that include two game tickets and a month’s subscription to the new Amazon Sports Bundle. A special discount is offered to subscribers of the “Chicago Sports” podcast.

Readers can find more details in the linked “2025 Black Friday Sports Guide” PDF, which includes a calendar of all ticket offers and a side‑by‑side comparison of streaming vs. cable viewership statistics.


3. Game Preview Highlights: Bears vs. Eagles, Knicks vs. Lakers, Bucks vs. Mavericks

The article then transitions to a series of game previews, starting with the Bears–Eagles clash:

  • Bears vs. Eagles: The 2025 Bears have risen to a 12–3 record, while the Eagles sit at 10–5. Head coach Matt Eberflus is praised for a robust defense, whereas Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is lauded for his “offensive innovation.” The Sun‑Times quotes former player Andrew Whitworth on the game’s significance for the Bears’ playoff push. Whitworth, who recently transitioned into a commentary role for ESPN, is scheduled to appear on Amazon’s “Skins Game” post‑game analysis.

Next up is the NBA’s marquee matchups:

  • Knicks vs. Lakers: This East vs. West duel is highlighted as a classic rivalry reborn. The article references a recent interview with Al Michaels, who predicts the Lakers’ “surprise defensive shift” could be the deciding factor. The game is scheduled for prime time on Amazon Prime Video.
  • Bucks vs. Mavericks: Highlighting the rivalry’s “co‑captured” nature, the article notes that the Bucks have been averaging 112 points per game, while the Mavericks boast a record 75% field‑goal percentage. Kirk Herbstreit, a former college football analyst, is slated to co‑host the Mavericks’ game on Amazon’s new “Basketball Talk” channel.

The previews are punctuated with player stats, last‑season highlights, and betting odds, giving readers a clear snapshot of what to expect on game day.


4. Spotlight on Key Personalities: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Andrew Whitworth, Jared Stacey, Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit

The roundup devotes a full paragraph to the evolving roles of five high‑profile sports figures:

  • Ryan Fitzpatrick: The veteran quarterback is now “front‑lined” in Amazon’s “NFL Weekly” series, discussing his transition from player to media personality. Fitzpatrick’s segment focuses on the current state of the league’s “player‑to‑commentator pipeline,” with an interview with Jared Stacey (the newly‑appointed “NFL Insight” host).
  • Andrew Whitworth: After retiring in 2023, Whitworth has taken on a part‑time role as a defensive analyst for the Bears’ radio broadcasts, as well as a sideline correspondent for the “Skins Game.” The article notes that Whitworth’s deep‑field knowledge provides “unique insight” that appeals to both traditional and streaming audiences.
  • Jared Stacey: Newly hired as the host of “NFL Insight,” Stacey brings a fresh perspective on modern media. The article links to a short video of his first interview with a high‑profile player, offering a preview of his interviewing style.
  • Al Michaels: The legendary broadcaster, known for his iconic “Touchdown!” call, is set to host the Knicks‑Lakers game on Amazon. His involvement marks a historic collaboration between cable legend and streaming platform.
  • Kirk Herbstreit: After announcing his departure from “College GameDay,” Herbstreit is now co‑hosting “Basketball Talk” on Amazon. The article cites his recent comment on the need for “more diverse perspectives” in sports commentary.

These profile segments serve to illustrate how traditional media stars are adapting to the streaming era, underscoring the article’s central theme of media evolution.


5. “The Skins Game”: A New Breed of College‑Football Coverage

The final part of the article focuses on “The Skins Game,” Amazon’s new college‑football showcase. According to the linked “Skins Game Overview” article, the series will be a hybrid of live play‑by‑play, player‑generated highlights, and post‑game panels featuring former athletes. The game’s name references the “skins” or “skins” of each team’s uniform, a nod to the brand’s aesthetic of “gritty, authentic” coverage. The article highlights the involvement of former University of Michigan player Jared Stacey, who will be the on‑site host.

Takeaway: “The Skins Game” aims to merge traditional sports storytelling with interactive, user‑generated content—an experiment that could reshape college football coverage for the next decade.


6. Final Thoughts and Call to Action

The article closes with a call to action for readers: subscribe to Amazon Prime Video’s sports bundle for exclusive access to live NFL, MLB, and college‑football content. It reminds fans that the “Black Friday Sports Deals” are only available for a limited time, urging them to check the linked “Deal Tracker” for the most up‑to‑date information.

Bottom line: This Sun‑Times roundup paints a vivid picture of a sports‑media landscape in flux. With Amazon’s aggressive push into live sports, the proliferation of streaming bundles, and the involvement of high‑profile personalities bridging cable and digital, fans are presented with an unprecedented array of viewing options. Whether you’re rooting for the Bears or the Lakers, the next game may very well be the most immersive sports experience of your life.


Read the Full Chicago Sun-Times Article at:
[ https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports-media/2025/11/27/bears-eagles-amazon-prime-video-black-friday-the-skins-game-nba-knicks-lakers-bucks-mavericks-ryan-fitzpatrick-andrew-whitworth-jared-stacey-al-michaels-kirk-herbstreit ]