Christmas got here on time Netflixbecause the streamer has set records for probably the most streamed NFL games of all time within the US, based on Nielsen.
Almost 65 million people within the USA watched the 2 NFL games on Christmas Day, which Netflix had exclusive rights to broadcast. The Baltimore Ravens' win over the Houston Texans averaged 24.3 million viewers, while the Kansas City Chiefs' win over the Pittsburgh Steelers averaged 24.1 million viewers, based on Nielsen.
The U.S. audience for the Ravens-Texans game peaked during Beyoncé's halftime show, with greater than 27 million viewers tuning in to look at the star-studded performance.
“Giving our members this record-breaking day of two NFL games was the best holiday gift we could have given,” Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria said in a press release. “We are grateful for our partnership with the NFL, for all of our wonderful on-air talent, and please don’t forget the electrifying Beyoncé and the brilliant Mariah Carey.”
Wednesday's games were the primary under a three-year deal between the NFL and Netflix to broadcast Christmas games exclusively on the streaming giant.
The NFL wasn't the one sports league feeling the vacation spirit. According to Nielsen, the NBA – which usually dominates Christmas sports programming – set a record for the most-watched Christmas Day in five years, averaging 5.25 million viewers per game across five games a day within the US.
The Los Angeles Lakers' victory over the Golden State Warriors was the most-watched NBA regular season and Christmas game in five years, averaging 7.76 million viewers and peaking at 8.32 million viewers. The first game of the day, the New York Knicks' win over the San Antonio Spurs, averaged 4.91 million viewers, making it the most-watched Christmas Day opening game in 13 years.
Overall, viewership for the five games increased by 84% in comparison with Christmas in 2023. The games were broadcast on Disney's Cable and streaming platforms ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+.
The high rankings were a welcome sign for the NBA, which has struggled with lower viewership this yr.
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