Record-Breaking NFL Game: Amazon Prime Video’s Second Season of ‘Thursday Night Football’ Delivers Most-Streamed Match in History
In an impressive display of its growing popularity, Amazon Prime Video’s second season of Thursday Night Football has kicked off with a record-breaking NFL game. The match between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the most-streamed NFL game in history, drawing in a massive audience.
According to Nielsen’s ratings, the Philadelphia Eagles’ thrilling 34-28 victory over the Minnesota Vikings captured the attention of an average of 15.1 million viewers. This surpassed the previous record of 13 million viewers set during last year’s opening game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Amazon’s own first-party data tells a slightly different story, estimating the average audience at 16.6 million, up from 15.3 million for last year’s opener.
Interestingly, there have been discrepancies between Nielsen’s ratings and Amazon’s data in the past, with differences of 15-18% observed. While Nielsen had initially taken Amazon’s data into account, it faced objections from TV networks, prompting the need to identify the most accurate measurement of viewership.
Hans Schroeder, executive vice president of NFL Media, emphasized the league’s commitment to determining the most precise viewership figures, stating that streaming platforms have the potential to enhance Nielsen’s existing methods. The NFL sees streaming platforms as capable of providing a more accurate and comprehensive picture of who is watching their games and content.
This record-setting NFL game highlights the increasing prominence of streaming platforms, particularly Amazon Prime Video, as a preferred medium for accessing sports content. The convenience and accessibility offered by these platforms have undoubtedly contributed to their rising popularity among sports enthusiasts. With each passing season, it becomes clear that streaming platforms are shaping the future of sports broadcasting.
As Amazon Prime Video continues to establish itself as a major player in the streaming landscape, it is expected that more records will be shattered and more milestones achieved. The success of their second season of Thursday Night Football serves as a testament to the changing dynamics of how sports content is consumed and enjoyed by viewers worldwide.
The battle for accurate viewership measurement between Nielsen and streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video is likely to continue. As the industry adapts to evolving viewing habits, finding effective and reliable ways to gauge audience engagement becomes essential. The NFL, along with its partners, will undoubtedly work together to obtain the most accurate and meaningful data to navigate the ever-changing landscape of sports broadcasting.
As sports fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming games in the NFL season, it remains to be seen whether more streaming records will be broken. The viewership figures from the record-breaking match between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings serve as a clear indicator of the shift towards digital platforms in the world of sports. It is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down, as fans increasingly rely on streaming services to catch their favorite teams in action.
This groundbreaking achievement for Amazon Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football marks a milestone not only for the streaming giant but for the entire sports broadcasting industry. It is a testament to the power of digital platforms in reaching and engaging with audiences on an unprecedented scale. As technology continues to shape the future of sports broadcasting, it is clear that live streaming will be at the forefront of delivering thrilling sporting events to fans around the world.
