What sport is on Christmas Day? NFL, NBA, Beyonce, Mariah Carey and NINE HOURS of action
Every year Christmas time offers plenty of sport for those who can't get enough.
Scottish Premiership, English Premier League, snooker and darts have given punters in the festive mood hours and hours of entertainment. But we always draw the line at Christmas Day. However things work a little different in the US where the sporting action doesn't stop. Whether by streaming service or on TV, both the NFL and NBA are here to ensure you get your festive sporting fix.
The Christmas Day marquee games involving the Super Bowl LVIII-winning Kansas City Chiefs, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans will be in action as well as a host of the biggest teams in the NBA. That means there will be NINE hours of sport across the day for you to enjoy.
But that’s only part of the action. Mariah Carey will kick off the day for the American Football support with a new pre-recorded rendition of her Christmas staple, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” And in Houston at half-time later in the day, Beyoncé will put on a show featuring the first live performance of tracks from her “Cowboy Carter” album. There is something for everyone whether its sport, music or a bit of both. Record Sport shows you how to play ball and catch all the dazzling Christmas Day action.
What games are on Christmas Day?
Both the NFL and NBA have teams in action. There are two games NFL games playing: Kansas City Chiefs vs Pittsburgh Steelers; and Baltimore Ravens vs Houston Texans. There are three NBA games on: New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks vs Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers.
When do they 'kick off'?
The Chiefs face the Steelers for a 6pm UK kick off time and then it’s the Ravens against the Texans with a kick off at 9.30pm UK time. Meanwhile in the basketball world the UK tip-off times are: New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs (5pm), Dallas Mavericks vs Minnesota Timberwolves (7.30pm) and Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers (10pm).
How can I watch them on TV and on streaming?
Both NFL games are available on Netflix. There will be no need for an extra payment with the matches included in all Netflix payment plans. You only need to log in to your account, or you can subscribe from £4.99 per month. The streaming giant can be accessed via the app on your mobile, tablet or smart TV as well as through a firestick.
Two of the three NBA games will be available on TNT Sports. Knicks v Spurs and Dallas Mavericks v Minnesota Timberwolves will both be broadcast on TNT Sports 1. TNT is available across all major TV platforms offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
Why are their US sports on Christmas Day?
It is simply become a tradition over the decades. In the US, both the NFL American football and NBA basketball leagues decisions may seem unusual to European sports fans, but something that is considered normal in the states. There have been NFL games on Christmas Day over the past 54 years, for example.
Netflix has been playing ball with the NFL for a couple of years now, beginning with the hit series Quarterback in 2023. In July, Netflix released Receiver , which follows five of the NFL’s best pass catchers through the 2023 season: Davante Adams (Raiders), Justin Jefferson (Vikings), George Kittle, Deebo Samuel (of the 49ers), and Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions).
