A close-up of the Netflix Christmas Gameday 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 right on time Netflixas the streamer set records for the most streamed NFL games ever in the US, according to Nielsen.
Nearly 65 million people across the US watched two NFL games on Christmas Day, for which Netflix had exclusive rights to show. The Baltimore Ravens’ win over the Houston Texans averaged 24.3 million viewers, while the Kansas City Chiefs’ win over the Pittsburgh Steelers averaged 24.1 million, according to Nielsen.
The US audience for the Ravens vs. Texans game peaked during Beyoncé’s halftime show, with more than 27 million viewers watching the star’s performance.
“Bringing our members to this record-breaking two-game NFL day was the best Christmas gift we could have delivered,” Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria said in a press release. “We’re grateful for our partnership with the NFL, all of our wonderful on-air talent, and please don’t forget the electrifying Beyoncé and the brilliant Mariah Carey.”
Wednesday’s games were the first in the a three-year deal between the NFL and Netflix show Christmas matches exclusively on the streaming giant.
The NFL wasn’t the only sports league to feel the Christmas cheer. The NBA — which usually dominates the Christmas sports schedule — set a record for its most-watched Christmas in five years, averaging 5.25 million viewers per game in the U.S. over five daytime games, 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. The first game of the day, the New York Knicks’ win over the San Antonio Spurs, averaged 4.91 million viewers, making it the most-watched Christmas opener in 13 years.
Overall, viewership was up 84% across the five games compared to Christmas 2023. The games were broadcast on Disney’s cable and streaming platforms ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+.
The strong ratings were a welcome sign for the NBA, which is they are struggling with lower viewership this year.
