The NFL, under the leadership of Commissioner Roger Goodell, has made a strategic move to strengthen its presence on Christmas Day by scheduling a doubleheader, challenging the NBA’s historic holiday dominance. This decision, breaking the NFL’s tradition of avoiding Wednesday games, reflects the league’s intent to leverage its high viewership and ratings on this festive occasion.

Goodell’s announcement disrupted the NBA’s expected Christmas spotlight, with the NFL aiming to capitalize on its successful viewership numbers from previous holiday games. Last year’s Christmas matchups drew massive audiences, outperforming the NBA’s holiday broadcasts in terms of viewership figures.

The NBA, known for its Christmas Day games, faced a viewership challenge compared to the NFL’s holiday broadcasts. The NFL’s success in attracting viewers during special occasions like Thanksgiving has motivated the league to pursue similar achievements. The NFL’s shift to playing on Christmas Day isn’t solely about overshadowing the NBA but also about seizing the opportunity to take advantage of Nielsen’s inclusion of out-of-home data in TV measurements.

As per NBC Sports, Hans Schroeder, the NFL’s executive vice president for media distribution, shed light on the rationale behind the move, citing last year’s Christmas Day viewership statistics. He said, “Last year, the two highest-rated games on Christmas, the 1 o’clock [ET] game was the highest and then the 4:30 [ET], and then the lowest was really a big matchup going into it with Baltimore and San Francisco, and it was the lowest but it was still really strong with 27 and change million,” 

Indeed, the numbers tell a compelling story. The NFL witnessed a remarkable 29-percent spike in viewership from Christmas 2022 to Christmas 2023, with the three games averaging an impressive 28.7 million viewers. Notably, matchups like Raiders-Chiefs and Giants-Eagles saw outstanding viewership figures, underscoring the strong appeal of football on Christmas Day.

But many are wondering if NFL players will agree to play a double Christmas game?

Are NFL players ready to give up Christmas?

NFL players have contracts that generally require them to play games as scheduled, including those on Christmas Day. While there is no definitive answer on whether players can refuse to play on Christmas, they are contractually obligated to participate unless injured or granted special exemptions. Despite occasional criticism and concerns about disrupting holiday festivities, players, coaches, and staff are typically present and prepared for Christmas Day games.

Also as per Goodell, it’s a regular thing. He said, “Well, I think the days are the same for us. We’ve done this. In fact, COVID was a learning opportunity, I think it was the first time we played on a Wednesday. It will not be a regular thing. It will be when Christmas falls on a Wednesday.” Therefore, Looking ahead, the future of NFL Christmas games seems secure. 

Read more: Roger Goodell & NFL Told to Pressure Adam Silver After Taking Christmas Day Hype Away From the NBA