On December 25, 2024, the NFL and NBA both achieved remarkable television viewership milestones, with the NFL’s streaming numbers setting new records and the NBA experiencing its best ratings in five years, according to Nielsen data.
Approximately 65 million viewers in the United States engaged with the NFL’s Christmas Day games on streaming platforms, marking it as the most-watched NFL games in U.S. history. The Baltimore Ravens’ decisive 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans drew an average viewership of 24.3 million, while Kansas City’s victory over Pittsburgh attracted an average of 24.1 million viewers. These figures indicate significant interest, despite the transition from traditional broadcasts to streaming platforms.
The competitive presence of the NBA on Christmas Day also drew an impressive viewership. The NBA’s five-game schedule averaged around 5.25 million viewers per game, showcasing a notable increase in engagement compared to previous years. The Lakers’ narrow victory over the Warriors was particularly popular, peaking at 8.32 million viewers and becoming the most-watched NBA regular-season game in five years.
Hans Schroeder, NFL Media’s executive vice president, highlighted the league’s satisfaction with the streaming results, viewing them as a strong start to their partnership with streaming platforms. The streaming performance was noteworthy, especially considering the reduced number of viewer complaints regarding streaming issues, signaling improvements in service quality.
Social media engagement was high, with Beyoncé’s halftime performance trending worldwide and the hashtag #NFLonNetflix achieving significant traction across various countries. This broad social media interaction further illustrates the global reach and popularity of these events.
The NBA’s Commissioner, Adam Silver, remarked on the gradual shift from traditional television to streaming as a viewing medium, aligning with the league’s strategic broadcasting partnerships set to expand next season. The NBA plans to increase its televised regular-season games significantly, responding to the evolving media landscape and consumer viewing habits.
The NFL’s and NBA’s successful viewership on Christmas Day reflects an evolving sports broadcasting landscape where streaming is crucial. These developments are part of broader efforts by the leagues to engage fans in new formats and platforms, ensuring that major sporting events remain accessible and widely viewed.
The impressive streaming and broadcast achievements of both the NFL and NBA on Christmas Day underscore the dynamic nature of sports viewership. As both leagues navigate the shifting media landscape, their ability to draw substantial audiences reaffirms the enduring popularity of these sports in diverse viewing formats.
Source: Local10
