NBA Achieves Record-Breaking Viewership on Christmas Day

NEW YORK – This Christmas Day, the NBA recorded its highest viewership in five years, with an average of 5.25 million viewers per game across all major platforms, including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+, and ESPN+. This marks an incredible 84% increase compared to last year.

Leading the charge was the nail-biting showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, where the Lakers triumphed 115-113. This clash showcased a fierce competition between basketball giants LeBron James and Stephen Curry, averaging an impressive 7.76 million viewers. The game peaked at a staggering 8.32 million viewers during the critical moments at 10:30 p.m. ET, making it the most-watched regular season and Christmas Day game in half a decade, and up a whopping 499% from the previous year.

The excitement kicked off early with the New York Knicks defeating the San Antonio Spurs 117-114, which averaged 4.91 million viewers—it's the highest viewership for an opener in 13 years, reflecting a 98% rise from last Christmas. Every game on the Christmas lineup saw a surge in viewership, including the Philadelphia 76ers' clash with the Boston Celtics (5.16 million viewers, up 3%), the Minnesota Timberwolves battling the Dallas Mavericks (4.38 million viewers, up 6%), and the Denver Nuggets taking on the Phoenix Suns (3.84 million viewers, skyrocketing 161%). Notably, the Nuggets versus Suns match set a record for the most-watched late window on Christmas Day.

The NBA's social media presence also soared, generating over 500 million video views on Christmas, an all-time high. The five-game schedule was the most-viewed ever on NBA League Pass and reached fans in 214 countries and territories, broadcast in 60 different languages.

Remarkably, NBA viewership this season across ESPN platforms has seen a 4% increase compared to last year. Games have made ESPN and TNT the leading cable networks among viewers under 50 for 21 out of 24 nights. Leading up to Christmas, NBA viewership on ABC, ESPN, and TNT rose weekly throughout December, averaging a 7% weekly increase. Viewership for Emirates NBA Cup games also enjoyed a 6% boost over non-NBA Cup games during the same period.

Overall, the NBA's digital engagement has been unprecedented this season, with an astonishing 11 billion views across its social and digital channels, solidifying its position as the professional sports league with the largest social media following. This year’s Christmas Day extravaganza not only set viewership records but also highlighted the league's unparalleled global appeal. What’s next for the NBA as it rides this wave of popularity? Stay tuned!