In a noteworthy showing, the NBA demonstrated its resilience and popularity during Christmas Day, successfully attracting viewers despite the NFL’s entry into the streaming arena on Netflix. Nielsen’s fast nationals reported that the NBA’s five holiday broadcasts averaged 5.25 million viewers, with the highlight being the match between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, which captivated 7.76 million viewers. The high-stakes encounter, featuring stars LeBron James and Stephen Curry, reached a peak of 8.32 million viewers, marking it the most-watched regular-season NBA game in five years.
The thrilling game concluded with Lakers player Austin Reaves hitting a game-winning shot after Curry had tied the score with two key three-pointers in the closing moments. In the aftermath, LeBron James acknowledged the competition from the NFL, expressing his enthusiasm for basketball on Christmas by stating, “I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day.” This sentiment highlights the ongoing dialogue surrounding the league’s viewership amidst the NFL’s strong presence.
While the NBA’s audience numbers fell short of pre-pandemic levels, they still performed admirably given the competition. Historical matchups featuring Curry and James drew significantly larger audiences in previous years, yet the current viewership reflects a positive trend for the league. Other games on Christmas included a matchup between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, which attracted 4.91 million viewers, and a thrilling contest between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks, averaging 4.38 million viewers.
Despite the NFL’s doubleheader on the same day, the NBA successfully showcased competitive games, with the Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets matchup wrapping up the evening as the most-watched late-night game ever on Christmas.
As the NBA continues to adjust and promote its brand, it’s evident that many fans remain engaged and excited about the league. The ratings from this Christmas serve as a hopeful indicator of future growth and viewer interest. Overall, the Christmas performances reinforce the NBA’s strong cultural presence and fan loyalty, suggesting an optimistic outlook for upcoming games.