Legendary coach Phil Jackson recently sparked a debate by criticizing the NBA for scheduling games on major holidays like Easter and Christmas. He argues these days should be sacred and free from sports. However, the television ratings paint a very different picture, showing that holiday games are a massive success for leagues and networks. This clash highlights the tension between tradition and the modern business of sports, where viewership numbers often have the final say.
A Legend’s Rebuke of a Growing Trend
Phil Jackson, the iconic coach with 11 NBA championships, rarely speaks publicly anymore. When he does, people listen. He recently made headlines by directly calling out the NBA for its decision to host major games on days he considers sacred, specifically Christmas and Easter.
His comments resonate with those who remember a time when holidays were a guaranteed break from the professional sports calendar. Jackson’s critique feels like a voice from a more traditional era, questioning if anything should remain off-limits in a 24/7 sports world.
While he isn’t the first to raise this concern, his immense stature in the basketball community gives the argument a level of authority that is hard to ignore. For many, his words were a reminder of a different set of priorities.
The Ratings Tell a Different Story
While Jackson’s concerns are based on principle, the networks and leagues are focused on numbers. And the numbers from this past Easter Sunday were overwhelmingly in their favor. In an age of fractured media, holidays have become a rare opportunity to capture a massive, gathered audience.
Modern measurement tools now track viewership in public places like bars, restaurants, and hotels. This “out-of-home” viewing is a game-changer, as it captures the millions who watch while socializing during holiday gatherings. This year’s data showed a clear victory for holiday scheduling.
- The NBA’s Easter Sunday games were among the highest-rated broadcasts of the entire weekend.
- Playoff matchups in the NHL also received a significant ratings boost on cable sports channels.
- Remarkably, out-of-home viewing made up nearly 25% of the total audience on Easter.
These statistics provide a powerful financial incentive for leagues to continue, and even expand, their holiday presence.
Easter’s Unique Place on the Calendar
Unlike Christmas, which is fixed on December 25, Easter’s date changes every year. This floating nature makes it a unique strategic opportunity for sports leagues. This year, for example, Easter fell right as the NBA and NHL playoffs were heating up, adding extra drama and importance to the games.
This perfect timing turned a typically quiet Sunday into a ratings blockbuster. However, in other years, Easter might fall earlier in the regular season when the stakes are not as high. In 2026, Easter lands on April 5, long before the playoff intensity truly begins.
Leagues are opportunistic. If the holiday aligns with a critical point in their season, they will use it to maximize viewership. If not, it may just feature regular season games. The trend shows a clear willingness to capitalize on the holiday whenever possible.
Is Resistance to Holiday Games Fading?
Although Phil Jackson’s comments made waves, they did not lead to widespread pushback from today’s players or coaches. For a younger generation of athletes, playing on a holiday has become a normal part of the job, and in some cases, a badge of honor.
Being selected to play in a premier Christmas Day NBA game is still seen as a sign of stardom. This acceptance reflects a broader cultural shift. The clear line that once separated holidays from entertainment has blurred significantly.
With sports news and highlights available instantly on digital platforms, the idea of sports taking a day off feels increasingly outdated. The consumer appetite for content is constant, and holidays are no exception.
The NFL Joins the Party as Holiday Sports Expand
The NBA may have pioneered the modern tradition of holiday games, but the NFL is now a dominant force in the space. The football league has aggressively scheduled some of its most anticipated matchups on Christmas Day, creating direct competition for viewers.
This has transformed holidays from a day with one or two marquee games into a full day of wall-to-wall sports programming. Networks are now in a constant battle for the holiday audience, a trend that is unlikely to reverse.
Barring a major cultural shift, the future points toward more sports on more holidays. While voices like Phil Jackson serve as an important reminder of what might be lost, the roar of the crowd and the data from millions of screens suggest the games are here to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Phil Jackson criticize the NBA?
Phil Jackson criticized the NBA for scheduling games on holidays like Christmas and Easter because he believes those days are sacred and should be reserved for family and faith, not professional sports.
How well did the NBA’s Easter games perform in the ratings?
The NBA’s games on Easter Sunday were highly successful, ranking among the top broadcasts of the weekend. A significant portion of this viewership, nearly 25%, came from out-of-home locations like bars and restaurants.
Do current NBA players dislike playing on holidays?
While opinions vary, there is no widespread opposition from current players. Many view playing on major holidays, especially Christmas, as an honor and a sign that their team is a premier attraction in the league.
How does the NFL’s schedule affect the NBA on Christmas?
The NFL’s decision to schedule major games on Christmas has created intense competition for the holiday sports audience. This has pushed both leagues and their network partners to feature their most compelling matchups to attract viewers.
