The Atlanta Hawks have made NBA history by announcing their full regular season will stream on Amazon Prime Video. This marks the first time an NBA team has simulcast its entire local schedule on a digital platform alongside a traditional TV deal. The arrangement with Gray Media ensures games also air on WANF-TV and other free platforms for viewers in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Mississippi. The Hawks open their 2026-27 season this Wednesday, building on a strong preseason where they won four of five games, including a 135-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on October 16.
Prime Video will hold the digital exclusive rights to 74 of the Hawks' 82 regular season games. Nationally televised matchups are the only exceptions. Gray Media's local broadcast will run in parallel, offering a free over-the-air option. This dual approach aims for maximum fan access. The number of games covered can shift slightly based on national TV schedules. Andrew Saltzman, the Hawks' President of Business Enterprise, said the team saw the collapse of regional sports networks as a chance to regroup. "We didn’t want to be in the direct-to-subscription selling business," Saltzman explained. "We wanted to be in the ubiquity business."
The deal is a direct response to the ongoing disruption in the regional sports network (RSN) model. Prime Video has aggressively pursued rights from distressed RSNs, now streaming games for over 30 teams across major leagues. For Hawks fans, it simplifies viewing. A Prime subscription becomes a one-stop shop. Charlie Neiman, Head of Sports Partnerships at Prime Video, stated the partnership makes it "easier than ever for fans across the Southeast to watch their team." The team believes returning to local linear TV while embracing a streaming giant creates a unique and accessible lane. Saltzman noted Prime Video has promised to help educate local fans about the new viewing option.
The team is entering the new campaign with positive momentum from their preseason schedule. Their most recent result was a convincing 135-111 win against the Dallas Mavericks on October 16. Other preseason victories included a 119-117 win over the Indiana Pacers on October 10 and a 123-116 victory against the San Antonio Spurs on October 8. They also edged the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-110 on October 12. Their sole preseason loss came against the Memphis Grizzlies, 132-123, on October 5. This form provides a solid foundation as they prepare for their next fixture, an away game against the Orlando Magic on October 21. Fans can track the full season schedule on our schedule page.
The Hawks' pioneering deal signals a broader shift. The decline of traditional RSNs has forced teams and leagues to rethink distribution. Streaming services are now core partners, not only add-ons. This hybrid model-combining a widespread streaming service with a free local broadcast-could become a blueprint for other teams in similar markets. It prioritizes fan access over exclusive, high-priced cable bundles. For the Hawks, it's a forward-thinking play to grow their audience across the Southeast as they embark on a new NBA season with a reshaped media landscape.
