On Christmas Day 2024, the NFL made its debut on Netflix with a streaming doubleheader that not only set records but also outpaced the NBA in viewership. The results underscored the NFL's growing dominance over a day traditionally associated with basketball.
NFL Outshines NBA on Christmas
The NFL’s Chiefs vs. Steelers game attracted an average of 24.1 million viewers, while the Ravens vs. Texans game drew 24.3 million viewers. Together, these games brought in nearly 65 million viewers throughout the day on Netflix, breaking records for live sports streaming on the platform.
By comparison, the NBA’s Christmas Day slate, while impressive in its own right, averaged 5.25 million viewers per game across five matchups—a significant improvement from previous years but far short of the NFL’s numbers. The most-watched NBA game, Lakers vs. Warriors, peaked at 7.76 million viewers, highlighting the disparity between the two leagues’ Christmas Day performances.
Strategic Shift: Streaming Over Broadcast
While NFL streaming numbers were historic, they didn’t quite match the league’s traditional TV viewership from 2023. Last year, Christmas Day games on CBS, Fox, and ABC/ESPN averaged 28–29 million viewers each. The NFL’s move to Netflix might have cost some viewership but came with significant benefits:
A $150 million payout from Netflix for the two games.
A strengthened position in future broadcast negotiations with another major player now at the table.
This strategic decision aligns with the NFL's long-term vision of blending traditional TV, cable, and streaming to maximize revenue and audience reach.
NBA’s Challenges
The NBA continues to rely on marquee matchups and star players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry to draw viewers, but the league faces stiff competition from the NFL’s broader appeal. Even with its best Christmas Day viewership in five years, the NBA remains in the shadow of the NFL’s growing holiday dominance.
The Bigger Picture
The NFL’s move to Netflix highlights its forward-thinking approach to media partnerships. With the addition of streaming platforms like Netflix, the NFL is not only diversifying its broadcast strategy but also setting the stage for new opportunities, such as European morning packages and reshuffled media deals.
While the NBA made strides this Christmas, the NFL’s triumph underscores its position as the dominant force in American sports, even on a day once synonymous with basketball.
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Source: Dan Lalonde
Photo Credit: NBA/NFL
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