The battle for America's attention on Christmas Day is set, as the NBA and NFL have unveiled their respective holiday schedules. What this really means is that sports fans will be spoiled for choice, with an unprecedented number of marquee matchups across both leagues.
Blockbuster NBA Lineup
The NBA has long made Christmas Day a showcase for its biggest stars and most compelling narratives, and 2025 is no exception. Headlining the action is a clash between the surging Cleveland Cavaliers and the star-studded New York Knicks, two Eastern Conference heavyweights looking to make a statement. Elsewhere, the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, led by phenom Victor Wembanyama, will face off against the up-and-coming Oklahoma City Thunder in a rematch of last season's NBA Cup semifinals.
As amdailynews reports, the Warriors' resurgence has been fueled in part by the NBA's tanking epidemic, which has created more parity and unpredictability across the league. This year's Christmas slate reflects that, with the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets all featuring in marquee matchups.
NFL Counters with Heavyweight Clashes
Not to be outdone, the NFL is bringing its own slate of must-see games to the Christmas table. Headlining the action is a clash between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins, a longtime NFC East rivalry. The Detroit Lions will visit the Minnesota Vikings in another intriguing matchup, while the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs will renew their AFC West hostilities.
The bigger picture here is that the NFL and NBA are engaged in an increasingly intense battle for viewership, particularly around marquee events like Christmas Day. With both leagues showcasing their best and brightest, sports fans are the clear winners, as they'll be treated to an embarrassment of riches on December 25th.