Christmas Day basketball: A tradition borrowed or boldly reinvented? The NBL is making a bold statement by carving out its own holiday legacy, but not everyone is convinced it’s a slam dunk.
For 77 years, the NBA has owned Christmas Day, with its games becoming a staple of the holiday season since the New York Knicks faced the Providence Steamrollers in 1947. Now, Australia’s NBL is stepping into the spotlight, aiming to make December 25 its own—and it’s sparking both excitement and debate. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a genuine tradition in the making, or just a clever copycat move? Let’s dive in.
The NBL’s Christmas Day games, now entering their fourth year, were first championed by Australian basketball legend and Sydney Kings assistant coach Andrew Bogut. In 2022, Bogut proposed the idea, a move that was groundbreaking for Australian sports. Having played in three NBA Christmas games himself, Bogut understood the appeal of live sports on a day when not everyone is caroling or feasting. ‘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,’ Bogut told The Age. And he was right. Casual fans, even those loyal to AFL, NRL, and cricket, tuned in simply because there was live sport on. ‘Some people would rather watch that than another eight hours of Christmas carols,’ he added with a laugh.
But this is the part most people miss: The NBL isn’t just copying the NBA—it’s adapting the concept to fit its unique audience. For instance, this week’s Christmas Night clash between the Sydney Kings and the Illawarra Hawks isn’t just another game. It’s the third consecutive festive meeting between these bitter rivals, with the Kings seeking redemption after two straight losses. For Kings star Xavier Cooks, the game is about more than just the score. ‘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.’
Yet, not everyone is sold. Critics argue that the NBL is piggybacking on the NBA’s success rather than creating something truly original. Is this a fair critique, or is the NBL simply filling a void in the Australian sporting calendar? Let us know in the comments.
One thing’s for sure: The NBL is committed to making this tradition stick. ‘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,’ Cooks declared. NBL25 champion Will Hickey agrees, emphasizing the family aspect. ‘Knowing families can come together, switch on the TV, and share that moment with us makes it really special,’ he said. As the Sydney Kings prepare to face the Illawarra Hawks on December 25, 2025, at 8:30 PM (AEDT) at Qudos Bank Arena, the question remains: Will Australia fully embrace this holiday tradition, or will it always be seen as a shadow of the NBA’s legacy? What do you think? Is the NBL’s Christmas Day game a bold innovation or a borrowed idea? Share your thoughts below!
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