A detailed view of the Netflix Christmas Game Day sign during the regular season NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 25, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
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Christmas came just in time for Netflixas the streamer set records for the most streamed NFL games ever in the US, according to Nielsen.
Nearly 65 million people across the United States tuned in to two NFL games on Christmas Day, which Netflix was supposed to show. The Baltimore Ravens' victory over the Houston Texans averaged 24.3 million viewers, while the Kansas City Chiefs' victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers averaged 24.1 million, according to Nielsen.
The US audience for the Ravens versus Texans game peaked during Beyoncé's halftime show, with more than 27 million viewers tuning in to watch the star-studded show.
“Bringing our members this peak day of two NFL games was the best Christmas gift we could have delivered,” Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria said in a press release. thankful for our partnership with the NFL, our amazing on-air talent, and let's not forget the electrifying Beyoncé and the brilliant Mariah Carey.
Wednesday's games were the first a three-year deal between the NFL and Netflix to show Christmas matchups exclusively on the streaming giant.
The NFL wasn't the only sports league feeling the Christmas cheer. The NBA – which usually dominates the Christmas sports schedule – has set a record for the most watched Christmas Day in five years, averaging 5.25 million viewers per game in the US over on five games throughout the day, according to Nielsen.
The Los Angeles Lakers' win over the Golden State Warriors was the most-watched NBA regular season and Christmas Day game in five years, averaging 7.76 million viewers and peaking at 8.32 million. – observe The first game of the day, the New York Knicks' victory over the San Antonio Spurs, averaged 4.91 million viewers, making it the most-watched Christmas Day opener in 13 years.
Overall, viewership increased by 84% across the five games compared to Christmas in 2023. The games were broadcast on Disney cable and streaming platforms ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+.
The strong ratings were a welcome sign for the NBA, that is struggling with lower viewers this year.
