Kevin Harlan Joins Amazon Prime Video
Kevin Harlan, a well-respected figure in the world of basketball commentary, is making a significant career shift by joining Amazon Prime Video as their NBA game announcer. After a long tenure with Turner Sports that began in 1996, Harlan concluded his role with them, marking the end of an era with his final broadcast on May 31 during the Pacers-Knicks playoff series. This new contract, reportedly signed back in May, will span three years and kick off later this season.
Notable Additions to Amazon’s Basketball Lineup
Harlan isn’t the only notable addition to Amazon’s basketball lineup. Brent Barry, who has extensive experience in the NBA as both a player and broadcaster, is set to serve as a game analyst. Barry played in the league for 14 seasons with teams like the Clippers, Bulls, and Spurs, and has previously worked with Turner Sports and NBA TV. Most recently, he was an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns, further diversifying his insights as a commentator.
Amazon’s Fresh Broadcast Season
Amazon Prime Video is gearing up for a fresh broadcast season, coinciding with the NBA’s new $76 billion media rights deal that spans 11 years, involving ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and their own platform. In anticipation of this season, Amazon has been actively recruiting a host of on-air talents, introducing figures such as play-by-play announcers Ian Eagle and Michael Grady, alongside basketball analysts like Blake Griffin, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Candace Parker, Stan Van Gundy, and Dwyane Wade. Moreover, Cassidy Hubbarth is set to take on the role of main sideline reporter, with Taylor Rooks hosting the studio show.
Innovative Commentary Approach
Amazon’s innovative approach will allow for flexible commentator pairings, enabling them to mix analysts in different combinations for various games. For instance, Harlan may often collaborate with Van Gundy and Parker, while Eagle could be paired with Nash and Parker in another instance. This dynamic method aims to maximize viewer experience and accommodate the extensive schedule of NBA games.
Future Prospects and Harlan’s Reflections
Looking ahead, Amazon Prime Video holds the rights to one of the NBA Conference Finals in 2027, with Eagle positioned as the lead voice for that playoff series. The company values both Harlan and Eagle equally, opting not to designate a standard hierarchy among their commentary teams during the regular season, ensuring high-quality broadcasts across the board.
Reflecting on this transition, Harlan expressed his appreciation for the new opportunity in a recent podcast, highlighting the unique position he finds himself in as a seasoned broadcaster among a roster of newer talents. He remains committed to CBS Sports for NFL commentary, ensuring that his ongoing relationships with both organizations remain strong and mutually supportive.
