Overview
- The NBA’s five-game schedule features nine teams at .500 or better and widespread star availability, including LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Cooper Flagg.
- The NFL’s Christmas lineup includes only two teams with winning records and just one currently in playoff position, with Patrick Mahomes and Jayden Daniels ruled out for the season.
- Christmas broadcasts are split across major streamers and networks: the NFL on Netflix (Cowboys–Commanders, Lions–Vikings) and Prime Video (Broncos–Chiefs), and the NBA across ABC/ESPN throughout the day.
- Despite the NBA’s stronger slate, the NFL typically draws more than 10 million viewers per game, while last year’s NBA Christmas averaged 5.25 million across five games.
- The NBA reports a ratings rebound this season, averaging about 1.81 million viewers across partners and reaching more than 87 million viewers year-to-date, as players like Draymond Green and LeBron James voice reservations about playing on the holiday.