The Desk appreciates the support of readers who purchase products or services through links on our website. Learn more...

Amazon won’t stream baseball games after all

(Image: Amazon/Handout, Graphic: The Desk)

Tech giant Amazon says plans to stream around two dozen New York Yankees baseball games have been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 health pandemic.

The announcement comes less than five months after Amazon said it would stream around 20 Yankees baseball games that were set to broadcast on New York City local TV station WPIX-TV (Channel 11). The first game was set to stream on April 17.

Amazon secured the streaming rights to locally-aired games thanks to its partial ownership of the YES Network.

This week, Amazon said those plans were scrapped after the YES Network chose to exercise its right to televise all 60 games from this year’s abbreviated season.

“Given the unique circumstances surrounding this season, the YES Network will televise all New York Yankees games not airing on the national networks,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement.

The spokesperson said plans might change later on in the season, and Amazon will evaluate those plans on an ongoing basis. Amazon had planned to stream the games to members of its Prime service, though only to customers who live in the New York City television market.

Never miss a story

Get free breaking news alerts and twice-weekly digests delivered to your inbox.

We do not share your e-mail address with third parties; you can unsubscribe at any time.

Photo of author

About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is a nationally recognized, award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience reporting on the business of media, broadcast television, streaming video platforms and emerging technology. He is the founder, publisher, and editor of TheDesk.net, a trusted source for in-depth news and analysis on the evolving media landscape.

Matthew’s reporting has appeared in major industry outlets, including StreamTV Insider, Digital Content Next and KnowTechie, where he covers topics at the intersection of journalism, streaming services, and digital media innovation. Throughout his career, he has held editorial roles at respected organizations such as Thomson Reuters, Tribune Media, the Disney-ABC Television Group and McNaughton Newspapers.

Known for his accuracy, clarity, and deep industry insight, Matthew continues to provide reliable reporting and thought leadership in a rapidly changing media environment. His work is frequently cited by industry leaders, analysts, and trade publications.