Thoughts on NBL Christmas Day Games: A Fan’s Delight, But at What Cost?

On the one hand, it’s a bold move to grow the league’s presence, taking a page out of the NBA’s playbook and creating a marquee event that can bring in significant viewership and revenue. On the other hand, the timing raises important questions about the impact on those involved in making the spectacle happen.

As a fan, there’s something undeniably appealing about the idea. Sitting back, enjoying a cold beer, and watching live basketball on Christmas Day sounds like a dream. For many, it fills a gap in the Australian sports calendar and adds a layer of excitement to the holiday. However, as a media member—and more importantly, from the perspective of players and coaches—my enthusiasm is a little more tempered.

Christmas Day is arguably the most family-oriented day of the year. For players, coaches, and team staff, it means being pulled away from their families to entertain the masses. While imports may find it slightly easier to embrace this concept, as their extended families are often overseas, the same can’t be said for local players with young children who would love nothing more than to spend the entire day with their kids.

It’s a tough ask. These athletes and coaches sacrifice so much already throughout the season. Adding Christmas Day games to the calendar, while a potential commercial success, creates a conflict between professional obligations and personal values.

From a fan’s perspective, the Christmas Day games offer a tremendous spectacle. They’re unique, festive, and a chance for basketball to claim a slice of what has traditionally been an underutilized spot on the Australian sports calendar. The games provide fans with something exciting to watch during the holiday festivities, and for many, that’s reason enough to support the concept.

But are the games worth it from a broader perspective? The key question is whether the viewership and engagement justify the sacrifices made by the players, coaches, and media personnel. If the viewership numbers significantly exceed those of regular games, it’s a win for the NBL, and the league will likely continue down this path.

In the NBA, Christmas Day games have become a cherished tradition, bringing in massive viewership and showcasing the league’s biggest stars. The NBL is clearly aiming to replicate that success, and from a financial and growth standpoint, it makes sense. However, in Australia, where the tradition of Christmas is deeply rooted in family gatherings, this concept might be harder to sell on a cultural level.

Call me a softy, but I can’t help but feel conflicted. I love the idea of Christmas Day games as a fan and appreciate the unique opportunity they offer. Yet, I also understand the personal sacrifices required to make them happen. For those involved, particularly players with young families, it’s a tough situation.

Ultimately, the success of Christmas Day games will hinge on the numbers. If they draw significantly higher viewership and engagement, the NBL may have found a winning formula that sets it apart from other Australian sports leagues. If not, the league may need to rethink whether the sacrifices are worth the reward.

For now, we’ll enjoy the games with a cold beer in hand and keep an eye on the viewership figures to see if this bold move pays off for the NBL.

Upcoming NBL Games and top picks: Boxing Day Cairns Taipans vs Melbourne United