Netflix sets streaming record with NFL games on Christmas Day

A detailed view of a Netflix Christmas Game Day sign during the regular season NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Christmas came on time Netflixas the streamer has set records for the most streamed NFL games of all time in the US, according to Nielsen.

Almost 65 million people in the USA watched the two NFL games on Christmas Day, which Netflix had exclusive rights to broadcast. 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 viewers, according to Nielsen.

The U.S. audience for the Ravens-Texans game peaked during Beyoncé's halftime show, with more than 27 million viewers tuning in to watch the star-studded performance.

“Giving our members this record-breaking day of two NFL games was the best holiday gift we could have given,” Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria said in a press release. “We are grateful for our partnership with the NFL, for 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 under a three-year deal between the NFL and Netflix to broadcast Christmas games exclusively on the streaming giant.

The NFL wasn't the only sports league feeling the holiday spirit. According to Nielsen, the NBA – which typically dominates Christmas sports programming – set a record for the most-watched Christmas Day in five years, averaging 5.25 million viewers per game across five games a day in the US.

The Los Angeles Lakers' victory 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 Day opening game in 13 years.

Overall, viewership for the five games increased by 84% compared to Christmas in 2023. The games were broadcast on Disney's Cable and streaming platforms ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+.

The high ratings were a welcome sign for the NBA, which has struggled with lower viewership this year.

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