Overview
- Charles Barkley opened ESPN’s coverage by calling the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell “greedy” for scheduling Christmas games, saying Christmas is “an NBA day.”
- The NFL ran three games on Dec. 25 with a Netflix doubleheader—Cowboys vs. Commanders and Lions vs. Vikings—and Broncos vs. Chiefs on Prime Video.
- The NBA countered with five nationally televised games on ABC/ESPN featuring marquee teams and stars, including Knicks-Cavaliers, Spurs-Thunder, Warriors-Mavericks, Lakers-Rockets, and Timberwolves-Nuggets.
- Analysts Richard Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins argued the NFL should leave Christmas to the NBA, while Draymond Green and LeBron James voiced a preference to spend the holiday at home despite the tradition of playing.
- Multiple reports noted the NBA’s slate was stronger on paper, whereas the NFL lineup was weakened by quarterback injuries—including Patrick Mahomes and Jayden Daniels—yet recent seasons show NFL games still draw far larger single-game audiences.