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The NBA had a big Christmas. For the past few weeks, the NBA’s declining ratings have been a hot topic of discussion among the media and fans. With the NFL hosting two games on Netflix, many believed the NBA would get crushed on their marquee day.
Despite the competition, the NBA revealed on Thursday that their games were up 84 percent from last year, and the Lakers-Warriors game was the most-watched game in five years.
Via NBA
“The NBA delivered its most-watched Christmas Day in five years, averaging 5.25 million viewers per game in the U.S. across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+, according to Nielsen Fast Nationals. Viewership was up 84% vs. last year.”
“The Los Angeles Lakers’ 115-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors – which featured a thrilling duel between LeBron James and Stephen Curry – led the way averaging 7.76 million viewers and peaking with 8.32 million viewers at 10:30 p.m. ET. It was the most-watched NBA regular season and Christmas Day game in five years and up 499% vs. the comparable window last year.”
The NBA delivered its most-watched Christmas Day in five years, with viewership up 84% vs. last year across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+. The NBA on Christmas Day averaged 5.25 million viewers per game in the U.S.
The matchup between the @Lakers and @Warriors – the… pic.twitter.com/VjfjL8XQSU
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 26, 2024
After the Lakers-Warriors game, LeBron James chimed on the NBA-NFL Christmas Day war.
“I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day.”
LeBron James: “I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day.” pic.twitter.com/aYGNODI5ud
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 26, 2024
Netflix has yet to release any official ratings numbers for their games but it will likely be much bigger than the NBA’s numbers.