• The Lakers-Warriors Christmas game broke records with 7.76 million viewers, marking an 84% year-over-year increase and becoming the most-watched regular-season game in five years.
• All five Christmas Day games saw significant viewership growth, with highlights including the Knicks-Spurs game attracting 4.91 million viewers (+98%) and the Nuggets-Suns game setting a late-window record with 3.84 million viewers (+161%).
• The NBA achieved a digital milestone with 500 million video views on social platforms on Christmas Day and record-breaking global engagement across 214 countries.

The NBA’s Christmas Day matchups delivered record-breaking ratings, with the league reporting its most-watched regular-season and Christmas Day game in five years. The Los Angeles Lakers narrowly defeated the Golden State Warriors 115-113 in a thrilling showdown featuring LeBron James and Stephen Curry. The game averaged 7.76 million viewers across platforms, peaking at 8.32 million at 10:30 p.m. ET, according to Nielsen Fast Nationals. This marked an 84% increase from the previous year and nearly a 500% jump compared to 2023.

The Lakers-Warriors game wasn’t the only contest to capture fans' attention. Earlier in the day, the New York Knicks’ 117-114 win over the San Antonio Spurs attracted 4.91 million viewers. This made it the most-watched Christmas Day opener in 13 years, with a staggering 98% year-over-year increase.

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Throughout the day, all five games showed significant viewership growth. The Philadelphia 76ers’ victory over the Boston Celtics drew 5.16 million viewers, a 3% rise from last year. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves edged the Dallas Mavericks, generating 4.38 million viewers, up 6%. The Denver Nuggets’ 119-117 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns capped the slate with 3.84 million viewers, a 161% increase. Notably, this was the most-watched late-window Christmas game ever.

In addition to the television success, the NBA achieved a digital milestone. The league saw more than 500 million video views across its social platforms on Christmas Day, setting an all-time record. Globally, the five-game slate aired in 214 countries and territories, with NBA League Pass reporting its most-viewed Christmas Day in history.

The league’s strong performance extended beyond Christmas. Leading up to the holiday, NBA viewership on ABC, ESPN, and TNT increased weekly throughout December, with a 7% average week-over-week growth. Season-to-date, the NBA has accumulated a record 11 billion views across its social and digital platforms. Similarly, viewership on ESPN platforms rose 4% compared to last season.

The growing popularity of the NBA reflects its ability to captivate fans through high-stakes matchups and star-driven narratives. As LeBron James and Stephen Curry continued their storied rivalry on the court, fans were drawn to the drama, making this Christmas a banner day for the league.

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Looking ahead, the NBA's momentum suggests continued growth in audience engagement. With its expanding global reach and increasing digital presence, the league appears poised to sustain its upward trajectory in the seasons to come.

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