Christmas Day delivered a thrilling showcase of sports, entertainment and cultural moments as the NFL and NBA captivated audiences worldwide.
This year’s holiday slate was particularly noteworthy, as it marked the NFL’s live-streaming debut on Netflix, featuring two high-stakes games, star-studded halftime performances and intense competition with the NBA for viewers’ attention.
The day exemplified how Christmas sports have evolved into a blend of athletic spectacle and high-profile entertainment.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens’ face-off against the Houston Texans headlined the NFL’s bold venture into live-streaming on Netflix. Per the streaming service, the Chiefs-Steelers game, which opened the doubleheader, reportedly became the second-most-watched live event in Netflix history.
Sports analyst and Indianapolis resident Clarence Coleman said that the high viewership and engagement were to be expected.
“We live in an age fueled by accessibility and instant gratification,” Coleman told the Indianapolis Recorder. “Fans being able to conveniently log on services like Netflix and watch sporting events on the holidays on the go is a big plus for both consumers and streamers.”
Adding to the excitement was a pair of unforgettable halftime performances. Mariah Carey kicked off the festivities during the Chiefs-Steelers game with a medley of her holiday classics, including the seasonal favorite “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Later in the day, Beyoncé delivered a nearly 13-minute spectacle during the Ravens-Texans halftime show, blending her chart-topping hits with a dazzling stage production. These performances cemented the NFL’s Christmas games as not just athletic competitions but cultural events.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said that he would not enter the locker room at halftime with his team because he wanted to “watch Beyonce perform.”
Why NBA and NFL on Netflix can work
On the other side of the sports landscape, the NBA upheld its long-standing Christmas Day tradition with a five-game lineup featuring marquee matchups. Highlights included a nail-biting overtime victory for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Boston Celtics and a dominant performance by the Milwaukee Bucks over the New York Knicks.
Lakers forward LeBron James said he loves the NFL, but “Christmas is our [NBA] day.”
While specific viewership numbers for the NBA’s Christmas games have yet to be released, the league’s consistent ratings success during past holiday seasons suggests that it resonates strongly with fans.
The NFL’s decision to stream live games on Netflix introduced a new dynamic to this rivalry, as the platform’s vast subscriber base could potentially draw casual viewers who might not have tuned in otherwise.
Coleman believes that live sports on streaming services is the way of the future.
“Netflix is going to make it hard for traditional TV providers to compete with them in the long run,” Coleman said.
Conversely, the NBA relied on its established Christmas Day tradition and the drawing power of its top teams and players to maintain its hold on the holiday.
The results hint at the evolving ways in which audiences consume live sports. The NFL’s embrace of streaming platforms reflects a broader trend in media consumption, where digital accessibility is becoming as crucial as traditional broadcast networks. Meanwhile, the NBA’s focus on its star power and storied rivalries demonstrates the enduring appeal of its established holiday presence.
“This year was full of games and halftime shows that had families and friends crowding around their devices on Christmas,” Coleman said. “From the entertainment side of the business, both the NFL and NBA did a damn good job of showcasing a well-polished product this holiday season.”
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, click here.
