Legendary broadcaster Al Michaels is anticipated to remain with Amazon Prime Video after his three-year contract concludes at the end of the current NFL season, according to a report by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. However, Michaels’ new deal with the streaming giant is expected to take a different form.
A New Chapter for Michaels at Amazon
Michaels, 80, will reportedly transition to a “year-by-year” agreement starting in 2025. Under his original contract, Michaels was earning $15 million annually as the voice of Thursday Night Football. While the exact terms of the forthcoming deal remain undisclosed, the arrangement signifies a shift in Michaels’ tenure with Amazon.
The move comes as no surprise given Michaels’ status as one of the most revered voices in sports broadcasting. Since joining Amazon in 2022, Michaels has brought his signature play-by-play expertise to Thursday Night Football, pairing with analyst Kirk Herbstreit to anchor the broadcast. This season, he is also slated to call an opening-round playoff game, further solidifying his pivotal role in Amazon’s NFL coverage.
Reflecting on a Storied Career
Michaels made the jump to Amazon after a remarkable 16-year run with NBC, where he became synonymous with Sunday Night Football. His move to Amazon marked a new era for both the broadcaster and the platform, as he became the face of Thursday Night Football during its debut on Prime Video. Despite the transition, Michaels has maintained the same level of professionalism and gravitas that has defined his career.
As Michaels considers his next steps, he has been candid about the eventual decision to step away from the booth. In an interview with SI’s Jimmy Traina earlier this fall, Michaels shared his thoughts on retirement:
“I’m not gonna go out kicking and screaming. I’m gonna be very much like John Madden when it comes time… He just said, ‘It’s time, it’s time.’ I think I’ll feel that it’s time.”
The comparison to John Madden—a broadcasting icon who retired on his own terms—is fitting for Michaels, who has long been regarded as one of the greatest voices in sports history.
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What Lies Ahead for Michaels and Amazon
As Michaels continues to call games for Amazon, his potential year-by-year contract reflects a more flexible approach to his broadcasting commitments.
The arrangement would allow Michaels to remain involved with Thursday Night Football while potentially scaling back his workload as he sees fit. This could provide an opportunity for Amazon to explore new talent to complement its existing team, ensuring a seamless transition for the future of its NFL coverage.
For Amazon, retaining Michaels—albeit under a different contract structure—underscores the platform’s commitment to delivering top-tier broadcasting talent as it continues to establish itself as a major player in live sports streaming.
Michaels’ presence has been instrumental in lending credibility and prestige to Amazon’s foray into NFL coverage, and his continued involvement would ensure consistency and quality for viewers.
A Legacy Cemented
Michaels’ career spans more than five decades, with iconic moments like the “Miracle on Ice” at the 1980 Winter Olympics and decades of NFL coverage that have made him a household name.
Whether his time with Amazon extends for a few more years or longer, Michaels’ legacy as a broadcasting legend is already firmly established.
As the 2024 NFL season approaches its conclusion, all eyes will be on Michaels to see how he navigates this new chapter of his career.
For now, fans can rest assured that his unmistakable voice will continue to grace the airwaves, delivering the same level of excellence that has defined his illustrious career.
