As part of its longstanding tradition, the NBA featured five prominent games on Christmas Day, competing for viewers against the NFL, which has increasingly sought to establish its presence on the holiday. Recent history shows that the NFL often secures higher ratings on Christmas, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by NBA stakeholders. Following an exciting victory for the Los Angeles Lakers, star player LeBron James made a bold statement during a postgame interview, expressing his love for the NFL but asserting, “Christmas is our day.”
James’s comments appear to resonate with many within the NBA, highlighting the league’s desire to protect its Christmas Day showcase. While the NFL has traditionally claimed Thanksgiving, the NBA has become synonymous with Christmas, similar to how college football and the NHL take ownership of New Year’s Day and MLB the Fourth of July.
However, since 2020, the NFL has increasingly encroached upon Christmas with their own games, achieving significant ratings success each year. To accommodate this year’s schedule, the NFL pushed its games to the preceding Saturday, exploiting a loophole in the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 that permits Saturday games after the early December window. Although NFL players expressed dissatisfaction about the rapid turnaround, with three games in 11 days, the league proceeded with holiday matchups, two of which were streamed on Netflix. These games garnered impressive early ratings, despite being blowouts.
The NBA is facing challenges in maintaining its Christmas dominance in light of the NFL’s popularity. With the NFL operating almost independently of the television ratings struggles faced by other leagues, it remains in a powerful position. If the NFL chooses to play on Christmas, it will likely continue to attract viewership.
In response, the NBA must focus on delivering high-quality games to engage fans. This year’s Christmas lineup showcased competitive performances, with the Lakers triumphing over the Golden State Warriors in a thrilling finish, where James contributed significantly with 31 points and 10 assists. Additionally, the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Philadelphia 76ers all secured narrow victories, contrasting sharply with the NFL’s more lopsided outcomes.
In summary, while the NBA faces challenges with the NFL’s growing presence on Christmas, the league’s commitment to producing exciting games may still capture the hearts of basketball fans during this special time. As both leagues vie for viewership, it’s a testament to the rich sports culture in America, where fans can celebrate multiple traditions across different holidays. With every game, the NBA has the opportunity to connect with its audience and reinforce its unique identity during the festive season.