Amazon Confirms Al Michaels Will Return for 2026 Thursday Night Football Season
Seattle, Sunday, 11 January 2026.
Amazon Prime Video solidifies its NFL broadcasting stability by retaining 81-year-old Al Michaels for the 2026 season. The veteran announcer dismisses retirement claims, emphasizing his continued performance capability as the streaming giant prioritizes established credibility.
Contractual Flexibility and Strategic Continuity
The confirmation of Al Michaels’ return marks a continuation of Amazon’s evolving contractual approach with the legendary broadcaster. While Michaels initially joined Prime Video in 2022 on a three-year agreement reported to be worth $15 million annually, that contract concluded following the 2024 season [2][3]. His tenure has since shifted to a year-to-year arrangement, with the 2025 season covered under a one-year extension and the newly confirmed 2026 season following suit [2][5]. This structure allows both the broadcaster and the streaming giant to reassess the partnership annually, a dynamic Michaels described as a “two-way street” regarding the decision to continue [3]. By retaining Michaels for a fifth consecutive season—a tenure duration calculated as 5 years—Amazon preserves the “big game” atmosphere that the 81-year-old’s voice brings to its digital-first platform [1][2].
Performance Scrutiny and Personal Commitment
Michaels’ decision to return comes amidst a period of heightened scrutiny regarding his performance. During the 2025 season, some observers noted instances where the broadcaster appeared to struggle with the pace of play-by-play sequences [3]. However, Michaels has firmly pushed back against suggestions of decline, stating to the Sports Business Journal that he feels “great” and intends to remain in the booth as long as he is “at the top of his game” [1][3]. He further emphasized his satisfaction with the Prime Video crew, noting that if he had to make the decision immediately, his preference was unequivocally to return [3]. This sentiment aligns with his long-standing philosophy on longevity, where he has maintained he will only continue if he can meet his own high standards of satisfaction [5].
A Legacy of Prime-Time Dominance
The extension solidifies a career that has defined prime-time NFL coverage for four decades. Before his transition to streaming, Michaels served as the voice of ABC’s “Monday Night Football” from 1986 to 2005 and subsequently led NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” broadcast team from 2006 to 2021 [2]. His résumé includes calling 11 Super Bowls, the most recent being the Los Angeles Rams’ victory at SoFi Stadium in February 2022 [2]. This historical pedigree is a critical asset for Amazon as it seeks to maintain parity with traditional linear networks in the competitive landscape of sports media rights [5].
Current Postseason and Future Engagements
The announcement of his return coincides with Michaels’ assignment to call the high-profile Wild Card matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field [2][4]. This assignment holds historical significance, as Michaels called his first NFL game at the same venue in 1986 [4]. Following the conclusion of his NFL duties for the current season, Michaels plans to travel to Lake Placid, New York, to participate in an event honoring the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team [4][5]. Michaels famously called the “Miracle on Ice” upset against the Soviet Union during those games, a broadcast that remains one of the most iconic moments in American sports history [2][4].