Prime Video is serving up a feast of sport this autumn, from Celtic’s gruelling 7,000-mile trip to Kazakhstan to NBA games kicking off at 3am.
Amazon has unveiled comprehensive coverage of both Celtic and Rangers in their Champions League play-off ties alongside its first full season of NBA basketball – complete with exclusive rights to the Finals and those eye-watering middle-of-the-night tip-offs.
It’s a clear illustration of the streaming giant’s post-Premier League strategy. Having been priced out of English football’s top flight, Amazon has pivoted to Champions League football and NBA basketball.
The Champions League deal makes sense – it’s still premium European football without the eye-watering Premier League price tag, whilst the NBA investment represents a bet on basketball’s gradual growth in the UK market, even if it means setting your alarm for the small hours.
Scottish Football Takes Centre Stage
Amazon’s Prime Video kicks off its second season of UEFA Champions League football coverage with two massive fixtures for Scottish football fans.
Both Celtic and Rangers find themselves in dramatic play-off ties that will determine whether they reach the lucrative group stage of Europe’s premier competition.
Prime members can watch both Scottish giants’ Champions League play-off fixtures at no additional cost:
- Rangers v Club Brugge – August 19
- Kairat Almaty v Celtic – August 26
Both clubs are one step away from the Champions League group stage, with qualification worth around £25 million to each club.
For Rangers, it’s a chance to reach the group stage for the first time since 2022/23, whilst Celtic are looking to secure their fourth consecutive appearance in Europe’s premier competition.
The Rangers coverage from Ibrox kicks off at 7.30pm on August 19, with Gabby Logan hosting alongside former Ibrox players Scott Arfield and Alan McGregor providing punditry.
Jon Champion and Neil McCann handle live commentary, with Alex Aljoe reporting from the ground.
Celtic’s Kazakhstan adventure presents a more exotic proposition. The second leg kicks off at 5.45pm UK time (that’s 21.45 local time in Almaty), with coverage beginning at 5.15pm on August 26.
Logan again hosts from the studio, this time alongside Celtic legend Martin O’Neill and former midfielder Stiliyan Petrov. Champion returns on commentary, partnered with Courtney Sweetman-Kirk.
Amazon’s American Gambit
Alongside the European action, Prime Video is launching its first season of NBA coverage.
The season tips off with a Friday night doubleheader, though the timing presents challenges for UK viewers:
- New York Knicks v Boston Celtics – October 25 (12.30am)
- Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Lakers – October 25 (3am)
Prime Video has secured 67 regular-season games for this inaugural season, with another 20 to be announced. Key matchups include:
- Boston Celtics v Los Angeles Lakers – December 6 (midnight)
- Milwaukee Bucks v New York Knicks – November 29
- Dallas Mavericks v Los Angeles Lakers – November 29
For those who prefer their basketball at sensible hours, there are eight Saturday afternoon games scheduled throughout the season, showcasing top international talent like Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), the Wagner brothers (Orlando Magic), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks).
The Global Games Advantage
Prime Video has exclusive rights to the NBA’s European fixtures:
- Orlando Magic v Memphis Grizzlies (Berlin) – January 15
- Orlando Magic v Memphis Grizzlies (London) – January 18
These will air at reasonable times and represent the NBA’s most serious attempt to grow its European audience.
The Emirates NBA Cup
The NBA’s in-season tournament features prominently in Prime’s coverage. Group play begins on Halloween with five consecutive weeks of doubleheader nights, featuring 10 games total. Key fixtures include:
- Philadelphia 76ers v Boston Celtics – October 31
- Houston Rockets v San Antonio Spurs – November 8
- Denver Nuggets v Golden State Warriors – November 8
- Miami Heat v New York Knicks – November 15
- Indiana Pacers v Cleveland Cavaliers – November 22
The knockout rounds culminate in Las Vegas:
- Quarterfinals – December 9-10
- Semifinals – December 13
- Championship game – December 16
Postseason Coverage
The postseason package is extensive. Prime Video will exclusively stream in the UK:
- 2026 Play-In Tournament – April 14, 15, 17
- One-third of first and second-round playoff games
- A Conference Finals series
- NBA Finals – June 2026
How to Watch
If you’re already a Prime member, you’re sorted – these matches are all included in your subscription at no extra cost.
For those who haven’t yet taken the plunge, Prime Video is available for £8.99 per month (or £95 annually), or you can opt for the standalone Prime Video service at £5.99 monthly.
New customers (or returning after 12 months) can get a free, 30-day trial to Prime Video.
Just don’t forget that, despite these matches being streamed, you’ll still need a valid TV licence to watch them live.
The rules haven’t changed just because it’s Prime Video rather than traditional telly – if you’re watching live broadcasts, you need to be covered.
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Yes, I can imagine hardened football watchers tuning in to see Scottish teams play, along with Bewdley Town and Abergele Minnows!