Everyone knew it but the fact that the most iconic figure in the sport today admits it makes things bad. On the “New Heights” podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James acknowledged that the NFL outshone the NBA on Christmas Day this year. The NBA, traditionally known for its marquee holiday matchups, found itself overshadowed by the NFL’s massive viewership numbers.
Despite the NBA enjoying its best holiday viewership in five years, with an average of around 5.25 million viewers across five games, the numbers paled in comparison to the NFL’s staggering figures. The Ravens’ victory over the Texans drew 24.3 million viewers, while the Chiefs’ win against the Steelers garnered 24.1 million viewers. “You guys kicked our ass,” James remarked with a laugh, highlighting the stark contrast in viewership.
LeBron pointed to one significant factor that likely contributed to the NFL’s dominance, Beyoncé’s halftime performance. The superstar singer’s appearance was a major draw, capturing the attention of millions of viewers. “I saw the f-ing numbers after the fact… From a viewership standpoint, y’all kicked our a**. The games weren’t as great as they should have been,” the King said.
The NBA needs to get more viewers
Despite the overwhelming numbers in favor of the NFL, James remained a staunch defender of the NBA. He joked about his protective instincts for the NBA, and expressed his desire to see the league reclaim its traditional dominance on Christmas Day. “I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day,” James had previously declared, though this year’s viewership told a different story.
While the NFL may have won the viewership battle this year, James remains optimistic about the future. He believes that with the right matchups and entertainment, the NBA can once again become the centerpiece of Christmas Day sports. The candid discussion on the podcast highlights the ongoing rivalry between the two leagues and underscores the importance of star power in attracting audiences.
LeBron James’ admission of the NFL’s dominance on Christmas Day offers a glimpse into the competitive landscape of professional sports viewership nowadays. As both leagues continue to vie for attention, the blend of athletic excellence and star-studded entertainment will remain key factors in capturing the hearts and minds of fans.
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