NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Confirms No Plans to Shift Games

In a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the league's stance on scheduling games during the holiday season. Despite the NFL's growing presence on Christmas Day, Silver confirmed, "No plan to do it at the moment," regarding any potential movement of NBA games to Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day in NBA History

The NBA has a rich tradition of playing on Christmas Day, dating back to 1947. Each year, fans eagerly await a showcase of compelling matchups featuring top contending teams and star players. This year, the NBA is set to continue this cherished tradition by presenting five games on Christmas Day, much to the delight of basketball enthusiasts.

NFL's Growing Influence on the Holiday

Since 2020, the NFL has made its own mark on the Christmas holiday by scheduling games, which have seen significant ratings success. The two matchups from the NFL on Christmas Day in 2024 averaged a staggering 26.5 million viewers, marking the most-watched Christmas Day in the country's history. In contrast, the NBA's viewership, though improving with a significant 84 percent increase from 2023 to 2024, averaged 5.25 million viewers across its five games.

The Future of Holiday Matchups

While the NFL plans to expand its Christmas schedule by adding a third game, Silver reassured fans and stakeholders that the NBA will maintain its position with five games on the holiday. As the competition heats up between these two powerhouse leagues, one thing is clear: the NBA will not budge from its beloved Christmas Day tradition, at least for now.