Overview
- Charles Barkley blasted commissioner Roger Goodell and called the NFL “greedy” and “pigs” for scheduling Christmas Day games, declaring, “Christmas is an NBA day.”
- The NFL staged a three-game slate with a Netflix doubleheader (Cowboys–Commanders, Lions–Vikings) and a Prime Video game (Broncos–Chiefs) under a Netflix deal reported at about $150 million per year.
- The NBA kept its traditional five-game showcase on ABC featuring top stars including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama and Luka Doncic.
- Critics noted the NFL lineup lacked juice due to quarterback absences and eliminated teams, with Washington turning to Josh Johnson, Minnesota starting Max Brosmer and Kansas City using Chris Oladokun after Patrick Mahomes’ injury.
- Post-Christmas sports shows devoted heavy attention to the NBA’s games even as history shows the NFL typically draws larger per-game audiences on the holiday.