Christmas Day used to belong, almost by nature, to the NBA. However, since last year, the NFL decided to schedule games on that same date, a holiday that captures massive attention because it is a day off and deeply significant in much of the world that celebrates it.
Now, former NBA player and Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley has come forward to strongly criticize the NFL for a move he clearly does not appreciate, unleashing more than a few pointed remarks toward whoever made that decision.
Charles Barkley’s words on the NFL playing on Christmas
For years, the NFL traditionally owned Thanksgiving while the NBA dominated Christmas. That unwritten agreement has now changed, and modern television consumption suggests that holidays are highly valuable in terms of audience reach.
That may explain why the league chose to schedule games on such a special day, inevitably drawing viewers away from basketball. It is also fair to note that there is an audience for both sports. Some fans prefer the hardwood game, while others gravitate toward the physicality of football.
Still, this became a major issue for Barkley, who addressed the situation bluntly.
The NFL got greedy and started adding Christmas games. We used to have this day to ourself but Roger Goodell and them pigs at the NFL always want to hog every day of the week now. … Christmas is an NBA day,
His comments have resonated with many who share the same perspective. Indeed, the NFL has effectively taken viewers away from the NBA, altering long-standing viewing habits.
Not-so-important NFL games this Christmas
For the NBA, Christmas 2025 does not feature especially spectacular matchups. The Cowboys remain a team that draws massive interest and will therefore continue to attract viewers, but games such as Lions vs Vikings and Broncos vs Chiefs have lost some of their edge.
Among most of the teams involved, only the Denver Broncos and the Detroit Lions appear to have truly strong competitive prospects. This could give NBA games an advantage in terms of attracting fans to watch basketball instead.
The reality is that the NFL overwhelmingly outpaces basketball in overall popularity. In the end, there is room for everyone, and ratings will be divided when games are played simultaneously, as audiences choose based on preference, tradition, and habit.
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