NFL Christmas games Netflix/ NBA holiday ratings/ Beyoncé halftime show/ NFL streaming record/ NBA social media views/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The NFL and NBA both enjoyed record-setting Christmas Day viewership. Netflix’s debut streaming of two NFL games drew 65 million U.S. viewers, making them the most-streamed NFL games in history. Meanwhile, the NBA saw its best holiday ratings in five years, led by the Lakers-Warriors showdown. Beyoncé’s halftime performance during the Ravens-Texans game drew over 27 million viewers, trending globally on social media.
NFL and NBA Dominate Christmas Day Viewership: Quick Looks
- NFL Highlights:
- Netflix streamed two NFL games, drawing 65 million U.S. viewers.
- Ravens-Texans game peaked at 27 million viewers during Beyoncé’s halftime show.
- NBA Highlights:
- Lakers-Warriors averaged 7.76 million viewers, the NBA’s most-watched regular-season game in five years.
- NBA Christmas lineup saw an 84% year-over-year viewership increase.
- Streaming Success:
- Netflix faced minimal complaints compared to prior live events.
- The hashtag #NFLonNetflix trended globally, bolstered by Beyoncé and Mariah Carey’s performances.
Beyoncé’s Halftime Show Helps NFL, NBA Shine. 65M Watched on Christmas
Deep Look
NFL on Netflix Sets Streaming Records
Netflix’s debut hosting of NFL Christmas Day games proved a massive success, drawing 65 million U.S. viewers across the two games. Baltimore’s 31-2 victory over Houston averaged 24.3 million viewers, while Kansas City’s 29-10 win over Pittsburgh drew 24.1 million.
Beyoncé’s electric halftime performance during the Ravens-Texans game stole the show, peaking at 27 million viewers. “The numbers speak for themselves,” said Hans Schroeder, EVP of NFL Media.
The games also outperformed last year’s AFC wild-card game on Peacock, which previously held the record for most-streamed NFL game at 23 million viewers.
NBA Reclaims Holiday Magic
The NBA’s five-game Christmas slate achieved an 84% viewership increase over 2023, thanks to strong matchups and increased exposure on ABC.
The Lakers’ 115-113 victory over the Warriors, featuring LeBron James and Stephen Curry, averaged 7.76 million viewers, peaking at 8.32 million. It marked the NBA’s highest-rated regular-season game in five years.
Social Media Frenzy
Beyoncé’s halftime show trended #1 worldwide on social platform X (formerly Twitter). The hashtag #NFLonNetflix ranked highly in Australia, the UK, Germany, Brazil, and the U.S., further amplifying the event’s reach.
Looking Ahead
Both leagues plan to build on this momentum. The NFL aims to expand its Christmas games to three next year, coinciding with the holiday falling on a Thursday. Meanwhile, the NBA’s new broadcasting deal next season will increase the number of nationally televised regular-season games, further bolstering its streaming and cable reach.
Key Stats
- NFL Viewership: 65 million U.S. viewers tuned in for at least one minute.
- NBA Top Game: Lakers-Warriors averaged 7.76 million viewers.
- Halftime Highlight: Beyoncé’s performance peaked at 27 million viewers.
