The NFL Dominates the Holiday Spotlight
The highly anticipated Christmas Day ratings battle between the NFL and NBA delivered major wins for both leagues, proving their dominance in the sports entertainment landscape. The NFL, however, stood tall with staggering numbers, generating over 20 million views per game. Read more about how the NFL dominates the holiday spotlight below.
According to Nielsen, the Baltimore Ravens’ blowout win over the Houston Texans (31-2) averaged 24.3 million viewers. Similarly, the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers (29-1) drew 24.1 million viewers on average. Combined, the two games garnered an impressive 65 million total views, cementing the NFL’s status as a powerhouse. The viewership numbers also positioned this year’s Christmas Day doubleheader as the most-streamed matchups in NFL history—a massive win for the league as it continues its expansion into digital platforms.
The NFL’s success wasn’t accidental. The league has been experimenting with Christmas Day games for years, with last year’s slate laying the groundwork for this year’s record-breaking numbers. In 2022, when Christmas fell on a Monday, the NFL aired three games across multiple networks — ABC, FOX, and a simulcast on CBS and Nickelodeon. Those games collectively drew 28.68 million viewers, proving there was an appetite for football on a day traditionally dominated by basketball. However, unlike this year, none of those games were streamed exclusively on digital platforms.
Breaking Records with Streaming Innovations
Last season, the NFL broke new ground by streaming high-profile games. This move began earlier in the year with the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins matchup exclusively on Peacock, which garnered over 23 million views. By prioritizing traditional TV and streaming services, the league has effectively expanded its reach and engaged a broader audience, solidifying its dominance during the holiday season.
The NBA’s Star-Studded Christmas Day Slate
For years, the NBA owned Christmas Day, using the holiday as a marquee moment to showcase its biggest stars and rivalries. In response to the NFL’s growing presence, the NBA rolled out a star-studded lineup of games this year.
The slate featured five matchups, including Victor Wembanyama’s holiday debut as the San Antonio Spurs faced the New York Knicks, and a thrilling showdown between two of the league’s youngest stars when Minnesota took on Dallas. Longtime rivals Philadelphia and Boston reignited their storied history, while the evening games showcased marquee matchups like Denver vs. Phoenix and the Lakers vs. Warriors, featuring LeBron James and Steph Curry—two elder statesmen of the game.
Each NBA game carried compelling storylines, yet the league’s Christmas Day slate averaged only 5.25 million viewers, according to final Nielsen ratings. While this marked a 5% increase in viewership on ESPN compared to previous years, the numbers still pale in comparison to the NFL’s dominance. The NBA’s Christmas Day ratings are far from their peak, reflecting a broader struggle to maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive sports market.
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Does Christmas still belong to the NBA?
LeBron James famously declared, “I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day!” But is it? The numbers suggest otherwise. The NFL has successfully carved out a place for itself on Christmas, with its massive viewership overshadowing the NBA’s holiday showcase. The league’s ability to adapt to changing viewing habits—leveraging traditional broadcasts and streaming platforms—has been a game-changer.
The NFL appears poised to continue its holiday dominance, especially as it experiments further with streaming exclusives and creative broadcasting strategies. Meanwhile, the NBA faces the challenge of reinvigorating its Christmas Day product to recapture the excitement and engagement that once defined its holiday slate. For now, the numbers are clear: Christmas is no longer basketball’s day alone—it’s a battlefield, and the NFL is leading the charge.
A Win-Win for Sports Fans
Ultimately, the Christmas Day ratings battle could be seen as a win for the NFL and the NBA, even if the numbers tell different stories. The NFL’s record-breaking viewership highlights its growing dominance in the holiday sports landscape, solidifying its ability to attract massive audiences across traditional broadcasts and streaming platforms. Meanwhile, despite trailing in overall ratings, the NBA still saw a 5% increase in viewership on ESPN compared to previous years. This demonstrates the league’s enduring appeal and the potential to leverage its star power and historic rivalries for future growth.
Rather than a direct competition, the two leagues could view their Christmas Day performances as complementary, each capturing the attention of different segments of sports fans. The NFL’s massive audience underscores the broad reach of football, while the NBA’s slate of games offers a more targeted, basketball-centric experience. Together, the leagues provided sports fans a full day of entertainment, ensuring that Christmas remains a marquee date for football and basketball. By continuing to innovate and adapt, both leagues have an opportunity to thrive during the holiday season and beyond.
