65 Million Viewers Watch Netflix NFL Christmas Day Games: NBA Holiday Viewership Also Strong
On Christmas Day this year, sports fans had a lot to celebrate as both the NFL and NBA saw massive viewership numbers. According to Nielsen, Netflix made history by streaming the most NFL games ever watched in the U.S., with at least 65 million viewers tuning in for a minute or more of the action.
The early numbers released by Nielsen show that the Baltimore Ravens’ dominating 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs’ 29-10 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers both averaged over 24 million viewers. This marks a significant increase from previous seasons.
Meanwhile, the NBA also had a strong showing, boasting its best holiday viewership in five years. The five-game slate aired on ABC, ESPN, and various platforms, attracting an average of 5.25 million viewers per game.
LeBron James, a prominent figure in the NBA, humorously acknowledged the NFL’s success on Christmas but affirmed that it’s still a day dominated by basketball. However, the ratings demonstrated that there’s room for both leagues to thrive on the holiday.
Hans Schroeder, the executive vice president of NFL Media, expressed excitement about the league’s successful inaugural season of partnering with Netflix. This partnership resulted in record-breaking streaming numbers for both Christmas games, surpassing previous viewing figures.
Despite a slight decrease in viewership compared to the previous year, the NFL games streamed on Netflix were well-received, with high audience engagement. Additionally, the NBA experienced a substantial increase in viewership, with all five Christmas Day games attracting more viewers than in 2023.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted that while there have been initial concerns about viewership, the league remains optimistic about shifting trends in sports consumption. The upcoming television deals will offer more games on streaming services, reflecting the changing landscape of how audiences watch sports.
Overall, Christmas Day proved to be a success for both the NFL and NBA, demonstrating the enduring appeal of sports entertainment during the holiday season.
