ESPN to Air First Animated NBA Game Featuring Knicks vs. Spurs on Christmas Day

The groundbreaking broadcast will use real-time motion capture technology and Disney characters to reimagine the game for younger audiences.

The animated game, titled 'Dunk the Halls,' will air on ESPN2, Disney+, and ESPN+ on December 25 at 12 p.m. ET, alongside the traditional live-action broadcast on ABC and ESPN.
Set in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on Main Street, USA, the game will feature real-time motion-captured animations of Knicks and Spurs players, powered by Sony’s Beyond Sports technology.
Classic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck will appear as spectators and participants in halftime activities, including a slam dunk contest.
ESPN commentators Drew Carter and Monica McNutt will be animated into the broadcast, with Daisy Duck acting as a sideline reporter for the event.
This marks the first time an NBA game will be streamed on Disney+ and continues ESPN’s efforts to create family-friendly sports content using innovative formats.