The NFL has taken a new approach to Christmas, scheduling games on Wednesdays to capitalize on holiday viewership. Christmas has traditionally been associated with the NBA, but the NFL is making a strong push to capture some of the spotlight. Despite this shift, NBA games on Christmas Day still drew in a significant audience, with LeBron James leading the charge with his game against the Warriors. While the NBA had a successful day in terms of viewership, the NFL continued to dominate with higher overall numbers.
LeBron James declared that Christmas is the NBA’s day, despite the NFL’s popularity, sparking conversation around which league truly owns the holiday. The NBA had a successful day in terms of viewership, with games averaging 5.2 million viewers and James’ game against the Warriors peaking at 8.3 million. The late game between the Suns and Nuggets also drew significant viewership, setting a record for the largest late window ever with 3.8 million viewers. Despite the NBA’s strong showing, the NFL outperformed with an average of 24.2 million viewers across two games, even though they were blowouts.
The NFL has expanded its schedule to include games on five separate days in Week 17, taking advantage of various opportunities to draw in viewers. The league typically has games on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday, with Saturday games later in the season. The prospect of Christmas falling on a Thursday next year raises the possibility that the NFL may capitalize on the holiday in a similar way to Thanksgiving with a tripleheader. While the NBA saw improved ratings on Christmas Day after a decline earlier in the season, it is clear that the NFL remains the king of sports viewership regardless of the day.
Despite LeBron James’ claim that Christmas is the NBA’s day, the NFL continues to dominate in terms of viewership, showcasing its widespread popularity. The NBA may have had a successful day by its standards, but the NFL’s numbers far surpassed those of the basketball league. While LeBron James may have been trolled on social media for his comments, the NFL’s consistent ability to draw massive audiences demonstrates its strong position in the sports landscape. Whether it is Thanksgiving or Christmas, the NFL consistently proves to be the top choice for viewers across the country, highlighting its enduring appeal.
Overall, the NFL’s decision to schedule games on Christmas Day has proven to be a successful strategy in attracting viewers during the holiday season. By expanding its schedule to include games on various days in Week 17, the league has maximized its reach and maintained its status as the premier sports entertainment option. While the NBA may have experienced a resurgence in viewership on Christmas Day, the NFL remains the dominant force in attracting audiences across multiple platforms. With both leagues vying for viewership during the holiday season, the battle for sports dominance continues to unfold.
