The NBA experienced its most-watched Christmas Day in five years, with an average of 5.25 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+, and ESPN+, according to Nielsen Fast Nationals. This represents an 84% increase compared to last year.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ thrilling 115-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors led the day’s action. The game featured a high-stakes duel between LeBron James and Stephen Curry. The game averaged 7.76 million viewers, peaking at 8.32 million, making it the most-watched NBA regular-season and Christmas Day game in half a decade. Viewership for the game was up an astounding 499% compared to the same time slot last year.
Kicking off the holiday, the New York Knicks edged out the San Antonio Spurs 117-114 in a game that drew 4.91 million viewers. This marks the most-watched Christmas Day opener in 13 years and a 98% increase from the previous year. The remaining games of the day also saw significant year-over-year increases, including:
- Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics: 5.16 million viewers (+3%)
- Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks: 4.38 million viewers (+6%)
- Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns: 3.84 million viewers (+161%)
The Nuggets-Suns matchup set a record as the most-watched late-window game ever on Christmas Day.
Beyond television, the NBA generated more than 500 million video views on social media during Christmas Day, an all-time record. The league also reported that Christmas Day games had their highest viewership ever on NBA League Pass, and games were broadcast in 214 countries and territories in 60 languages.
Overall, NBA viewership across ESPN platforms is up 4% this season compared to last. Games have driven ESPN and TNT to rank as the most-watched cable networks for viewers under 50 on 21 out of 24 game nights. Leading up to Christmas Day, NBA viewership across ABC, ESPN, and TNT saw consistent growth throughout December, with an average week-over-week increase of 7%.
Season-to-date, the NBA has achieved a record 11 billion views across its social and digital channels. The league continues to lead all professional sports in social media following, fostering one of the largest online communities of any global brand.
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