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The Duke Blue Devils basketball program will have a new broadcast partner next season. Amazon Video has inked a new agreement with the school, which includes broadcasting three neutral site men’s college basketball games to open the 2026-27 season.
Duke has worked on marketing the program around the ACC Network that's currently supported by ESPN. While this seems to break away from a traditional offering, it's a redirection under a new platform.
Here are four takeaways from Amazon's deal with Duke.
The Blue Devils have a new NIL avenue
When the updated figures come out for NIL, Duke should see a significant boost. Adding Amazon Video, especially the games that were added, is not a minor detail. Here's what's going to be on the streaming schedule later this year.
UConn (Las Vegas), 11/25
Michigan (NYC at MSG), 12/21
Gonzaga (Detroit), 2/20
These are all huge games with big price tags. Amazon buying up the rights to Duke's broadcast allows them to cash in. The non-traditional deal will be one of the first on the books in this new era.
Amazon's first jump into live collegiate programming is a hit
The major streaming platform has done bigger events in the NFL, but this is the first venture into college sports. What better way to break onto the ground floor than with Duke? This could open the door to a similar approach NBC has with Notre Dame.
The way Duke is leveraging its brand power should be the new standard
To say this was a power move is an understatement. The Blue Devils are one of the most recognizable brands in college basketball and striking an independent deal with Amazon should be what every program strives to have on their books. It's taking the traditional broadcast "middle man" out of the equation.
More: John Blackwell sends six-word message following Duke basketball commitment
Amazon has a global reach to help Duke's international exposure
Outside of NIL, this puts Duke Basketball into the homes on a global market approach. One of the biggest recruiting tools for overseas recruiting that nobody considered. A huge win for college basketball and what could be over the next five-plus years. Since the rules for international players are pretty open, this has the potential to build a bridge into the future.
More Duke basketball news:
- Jon Scheyer breaks silence about Duke's 'heartbreaking' loss to UConn
- Duke's Cameron Boozer dealing with unfortunate injury after UConn loss
- Duke's top transfer portal target reportedly commanding $5 million
- Former UNC player admits to punching Duke player: ‘That’s free licks’
- Coach K reveals his true feelings about Duke's March Madness chances
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