Amazon reportedly pays $120 million to stream the Emmys for free

is an entertainment editor covering streaming, virtual worlds, and every single Pokémon video game. Andrew joined The Verge in 2012, writing over 4,000 stories.

The Emmys have a new home — and it looks like Amazon paid plenty for the rights. The awards show and Amazon announced a six-year deal that will move the Emmys from its traditional broadcast television home to Prime Video. The shift begins with the 2027 ceremony, which will air next September, though you won’t actually have to sign up for Prime Video to watch it. The announcement instead says that the stream “will be free to view for audiences worldwide.”

According to Deadline, Amazon paid around $20-25 million per year for the rights, making the deal worth upwards of $120 million. “Our broadcast partners have been tremendous stewards of the Emmys for many years, helping to build them into the cultural institution they are today,” Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, said in a statement. “Having a dedicated home with Prime Video allows us to build on that legacy with unprecedented global reach and a broader commitment to the Television Academy and our mission throughout the year.”

The news comes as streaming services are looking for tentpole live events to add to their offerings, and awards shows have become a particularly popular choice. Netflix snapped up the rights to the SAG awards, while the Oscars will be moving to YouTube in 2029. Meanwhile, streaming services have also come to dominate the Emmys. At this year’s awards, Apple TV had the most wins of any network, led by Widow’s Bay, which won a total of 14 awards.

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