In the NBA, Christmas Day games are a 77-year-old tradition, dating back to 1947. With the NBL set to host its fourth consecutive game on December 25, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Christmas Day is fast becoming a tradition of its own for the league.
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Following in the footsteps of the NBA, the NBL is aiming to establish a longstanding Australian tradition, continuing its run as the only professional sporting league in the country to play live games on Christmas Day.
The NBA’s first Christmas Day game was held in 1947 between the New York Knicks and the Providence Steamrollers at Madison Square Garden, and it has since become one of the league’s most anticipated fixtures.
Now entering its fourth year, the NBL’s Christmas Day concept was first proposed by Sydney Kings assistant coach and Australian basketball legend Andrew Bogut.
In 2022, Bogut pushed the idea forward – a groundbreaking move in Australian sport at the time.
Having played in three Christmas Day games during his NBA career, Bogut understood the value of offering live sport on a day when not everyone celebrates in the same way.
Speaking to The Age last year, he explained why he was eager to bring the idea to life.
“I think the NBL and us as a club have to try different things. No one had attempted it in Australia, so to be the first to do it shows courage and a willingness to think outside the box,” Bogut said.
“We saw an opportunity to be the only team playing basketball in Australia – the only sport playing – and thought we might pick up some eyeballs by accident.
“And that’s what the numbers showed. Casual basketball fans, and even AFL, NRL and cricket fans, tuned in because there was live sport on. Some people would rather watch that than another eight hours of Christmas carols.”
Looking ahead to this week’s Christmas Night clash between the Sydney Kings and the Illawarra Hawks — the third consecutive festive meeting between the rivals — the Kings will be seeking redemption after losing the previous two encounters. But for Kings star Xavier Cooks, the significance goes beyond the result.
“Christmas means different things to different people, and everyone’s traditions are unique,” Cooks said.
“By having a Christmas Night game, we can give people another option and help kickstart a new tradition.
“Playing the Hawks makes it even more special given our longstanding rivalry, and being able to settle it on the court is a great way to end the day.”
Aware of the NBA’s long-running Christmas tradition, Cooks hopes the NBL can continue carving out its own place on the Australian sporting calendar.
“It started in the US, but now that we’re in our fourth year of Christmas Night games, we feel like we’ve made it our own and put our stamp on a holiday period that’s already packed with sport,” he said.
As families around Australia wind down after a long day of celebrations, food and festivities, the chance to relax and watch live sport is something NBL25 champion Will Hickey believes adds to the occasion.
“Christmas Day sport is already a tradition in so many Aussie homes,” Hickey said.
The Sydney Kings face the Illawarra Hawks on December 25, 2025 at 8:30PM (AEDT) at Qudos Bank Arena.
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