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The Yankees are coming to Amazon Prime Video.
The team, along with the YES Network, announced a deal on Tuesday with the streaming service that will allow Amazon Prime Video subscribers to watch 21 games this season. Those games will also air on WPIX.
The Post first reported the deal was impending in December after November’s unanimous vote by MLB team owners to permit the streaming of local games, a practice known as in-market streaming.
Amazon was part of a group that purchased a stake in the YES Network nearly a year ago, also paving the way for this agreement — which will allow people to watch games live on their phones or laptops without a cable subscription.
As viewership drops due to cord-cutting, teams are looking for new ways to reach fans. Though YES will produce the games that air on Amazon, the streaming service will provide new technology on its simulcasts that will make for a “more immersive experience,’’ according to YES Network CEO Jon Litner.
“It will allow viewers to be interactive rather than passive,’’ Litner said.
The technology will be similar to what Amazon has used with the NFL and English Premier League.
“We also realize viewing habits are changing, especially for young and tech-savvy fans,’’ Litner said.
“We understand that fans are consuming content in a variety of different ways, and we believe our unique partnership with Amazon represents an exciting development in the realm of live sports,” Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement. “We are committed to exploring new ideas and delivering an array of top-quality viewing options, as well as accompanying new innovations, such as Amazon’s X-Ray technology feature, which will make in-game stats, team and player details, and play-by-play information readily accessible in real-time during the games on Prime Video.”
The first game will be shown on Amazon Prime Video on April 17 against the Reds and the 21 games include three versus the Red Sox.
The Post reported in December the ultimate goal is to provide an annual streaming package at a cost, according to sources.
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