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A detailed view of a Netflix Christmas 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 televised NFL games in the United States, according to Nielsen.
Nearly 65 million people in the United States tuned in to the two NFL games on Christmas Day, 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 against 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 tuning in to watch the star-studded performance.
“Bringing our members to this record-breaking two-game NFL day was the best Christmas gift we could have provided,” said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, in a press release. “We are thankful for our partnership with the NFL, all of our wonderful talent on the air, and please don’t 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 typically dominates the Christmas sports schedule — set a record for the most-watched Christmas Day in five years, averaging 5.25 million viewers per game in the U.S. over five games overall per day, according to Nielsen.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ win over the Golden State Warriors was the most-watched NBA regular season and Christmas game in five years, averaging 7.76 million viewers and peaking at 8.32 million viewers . 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.
In all, the show grew by 84% in the five games compared to Christmas in 2023. The games were broadcast in by Disney cable and streaming platforms ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+.
The strong ratings were a welcome sign for the NBA, which is struggling with a lower audience this year.
