Amazon Prime Video to broadcast games locally for Columbus

September 2, 2026 - 22:38

Amazon Prime Video is stepping up its hockey presence this season, taking over as the exclusive local streaming destination for Columbus Blue Jackets games. The move is part of a broader multiyear arrangement between the streaming service and the NHL that will see Prime Video handle local broadcasts for six teams across the league.

For fans in the Columbus area, this means no more hunting for regional sports networks or cable packages to catch the action. All locally televised games will now be available directly through the Prime Video app, a shift that reflects the ongoing migration of sports broadcasting toward streaming platforms. The change applies to regular-season matchups, and the service will also carry preseason contests.

The NHL has been steadily reshaping how fans watch games, moving away from traditional cable bundles and toward direct-to-consumer options. Amazon has already dipped its toe into national hockey coverage, but this local arrangement gives the company a deeper foothold in specific markets. Columbus is one of the first cities to get this treatment, and the league says more teams could be added in future seasons.

Subscribers won't need any extra add-ons or separate sports packages to watch the Blue Jackets. The games will be included with a standard Prime membership, which simplifies things for fans who already use the service for shopping, movies, and other content. The broadcast quality is expected to match what viewers have come to expect from national NHL productions, with dedicated local announcers and pregame coverage.

The deal also signals a broader trend. Regional sports networks have struggled in recent years as cord-cutting accelerates, and streaming giants like Amazon are filling the void. For the NHL, partnering with a tech company offers a way to reach younger audiences who may not have traditional TV subscriptions. For Amazon, live sports are a proven way to keep users engaged and loyal.

The first Blue Jackets game under this new arrangement is scheduled for early October. Fans can expect a smooth transition, though the league and Amazon have said they will provide clear instructions on how to access the broadcasts before the season opener. No additional fees or hidden costs have been mentioned, which should come as a relief to local supporters who have watched other streaming deals get complicated.

This is not the first time Amazon has gotten involved in regional sports, but it is one of the most significant moves yet. The company has been quietly building its sports portfolio, and hockey appears to be a key piece of that strategy. Whether other NHL markets follow Columbus remains to be seen, but the early signs point to more streaming-first local coverage in the near future.