Dec 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (center right) greets Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (center left) after the game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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LeBron vs. Steph Curry Christmas thriller skyrockets NBA ratings

LeBron vs. Curry drives NBA's record Christmas ratings.

The NBA’s Christmas Day schedule delivered its best viewership in five years, averaging 5.25 million viewers across platforms like ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+, and ESPN+. This marked an 84% increase compared to the previous year, according to Nielsen Fast Nationals.

Lakers vs. Warriors sets viewership milestone

The Los Angeles Lakers’ narrow 115-113 win over the Golden State Warriors led the ratings surge. Featuring LeBron James and Stephen Curry, the game averaged 7.76 million viewers and peaked at 8.32 million at 10:30 p.m. ET. This was the most-watched NBA regular-season and Christmas Day game in five years, marking a staggering 499% jump compared to last year’s comparable slot.

MOST-WATCHED CHRISTMAS DAY IN 5 YEARS 🎁

The NBA delivered its most-watched Christmas Day in five years, with viewership up 84% vs. last year across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+. The NBA on Christmas Day averaged 5.25 million viewers per game in the U.S.

The matchup… pic.twitter.com/DVviJzMiKa
— NBA (@NBA) December 26, 2024

The game itself kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Lakers surrendered a double-digit lead in the final moments, with Curry sinking a game-tying three-pointer with eight seconds left. An Austin Reaves layup secured the win for Los Angeles, wrapping up a dramatic finish.

Record-breaking opener and overall growth

The Christmas Day opener between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs also made history. The Knicks’ 117-114 victory drew 4.91 million viewers, making it the most-watched Christmas opener in 13 years. Other games followed suit with strong viewership:

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics: 5.16 million viewers, up 3%.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks: 4.38 million viewers, up 6%.
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns: 3.84 million viewers, up 161%, becoming the most-watched late window ever on Christmas Day.

The NBA set additional records on Christmas, generating over 500 million video views across social media, the highest ever for the league. It also had its most-viewed Christmas Day ever on NBA League Pass, with games available in 214 countries and territories in 60 languages.

NBA viewership trends show consistent growth

Beyond Christmas, NBA viewership on ESPN platforms this season has increased by 4%. ABC, ESPN, and TNT have consistently ranked as the top cable networks among viewers under 50 on 21 of 24 nights this season. Viewership has also climbed week-over-week throughout December, with Emirates NBA Cup games outperforming non-Cup games by 6% on ESPN and TNT.

Warriors-Lakers was the most watched regular season game in 5 years, peaking with over 8 million viewers

NBA Christmas >>> pic.twitter.com/3QFAir1VSl
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 26, 2024

On social and digital channels, the league recorded 11 billion views this season, maintaining its status as the most-followed professional sports league globally.

NBA’s battle with the NFL for holiday viewership

Despite the NBA’s success, the NFL remains a dominant force on Christmas. This year, NFL games averaged over 24 million viewers, with the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game alone attracting significant attention. Netflix, broadcasting NFL games for the first time, reported that the Chiefs-Steelers matchup became its second-most popular live title.

LeBron James summed up the NBA’s ambitions after the Lakers’ victory: “I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day.” The NBA took a step forward this year, reclaiming some of its holiday spotlight while competing with the NFL’s massive viewership.

Image: © Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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