The NBA delivered its most-watched Christmas Day in 5 years, averaging 5.25 million viewers per sport within the U.S. throughout ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+, based on Nielsen Quick Nationals. Viewership was up 84% versus final yr after they competed with a triple-header from the NFL versus a doubleheader this yr.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ 115-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors – which featured a duel between LeBron James and Stephen Curry – led the best way averaging 7.76 million viewers and peaking with 8.32 million viewers at 10:30 p.m. ET.  It was the most-watched NBA common season and Christmas Day sport in 5 years and up 499% vs. the comparable window final yr.
To start the day, the New York Knicks’ 117-114 win over the San Antonio Spurs averaged 4.91 million viewers, making it the most-watched Christmas Day opener in 13 years and up 98% vs. the comparable window final yr. All 5 Christmas Day video games noticed year-over-year viewership will increase, together with Philadelphia 76ers/Boston Celtics (5.16 million viewers, up 3%), Minnesota Timberwolves/Dallas Mavericks (4.38 million viewers, up 6%) and Denver Nuggets/Phoenix Suns (3.84 million viewers, up 161%). Nuggets/Suns was the most-watched late window ever on Christmas Day.
