NBA and NFL battle for Christmas TV ratings

Have you ever found yourself in a dilemma on a major holiday, torn between two great sports events on TV? That’s exactly what happened to many sports fans on Christmas Day, 2023. With the NFL scheduling three marquee matchups and the NBA lining up five top games, it was a battle not just on the fields and courts, but also for viewers’ attention. So, what did you end up watching: the hard-hitting action of the NFL, the high-flying excitement of the NBA, or a mix of both?


This historic day was a major test of the NFL’s drawing power on a day traditionally dominated by the NBA. The NFL’s bold move to schedule games on Christmas Day, a tradition usually reserved for the NBA, has been a recent trend since 2016. It’s like the new kid on the block challenging the established star to a duel for the neighborhood’s admiration.

The NFL’s lineup was nothing short of spectacular, with games like Chiefs-Raiders, Giants-Eagles, and the highly-anticipated Ravens-49ers clash, each offering its own unique storyline and excitement. It’s akin to a blockbuster movie marathon, where each sequel tries to outdo the previous one in thrills and suspense.

Meanwhile, the NBA, with its long-standing tradition of Christmas Day games, also put up a strong showing. Each game was a display of basketball at its finest, showcasing the skills and athleticism that have made the NBA a global phenomenon. It’s like an art exhibit, where each masterpiece tells a different story and evokes different emotions.

The ratings battle between the NFL and NBA on this day is more than just a number; it’s a reflection of changing viewer preferences and the evolving landscape of sports entertainment. While the NFL’s viewership has been on the rise on Christmas Day, surpassing the NBA’s, it speaks to the NFL’s growing influence and the changing tides in sports viewership.

In conclusion, Christmas Day 2023 was not just a day of festive celebration but also a landmark day in the world of sports. Whether you were watching the NFL, NBA, or both, it was a day filled with top-tier sports entertainment, leaving fans around the world thrilled and asking for more. As we reflect on this day, one can’t help but wonder: will the NFL continue to challenge the NBA’s dominance on Christmas Day, or was this just a one-off spectacle? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – sports fans were the real winners on this day.

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