The NBA’s long-standing Christmas Day tradition returns once again, turning the holiday into one of the league’s most significant global showcase events. On Dec. 25, ten teams will compete across five marquee matchups, spanning nearly 14 hours of live basketball. While the on-court action will command attention, the spotlight will also shine on one of the most iconic studio shows in sports television: Inside the NBA.
For fans wondering how and when to tune in, here’s everything you need to know about watching Inside the NBA on Christmas Day.
When to Watch Inside the NBA on Christmas Day
Known for its sharp analysis, unfiltered opinions, and unmatched chemistry, Inside the NBA has become just as much a part of NBA Christmas as the games themselves. This year, the show takes on even greater significance as it officially airs across ESPN and ABC, marking a new chapter following TNT’s loss of NBA broadcast rights.
Inside the NBA will air on Christmas Day at 7:30 p.m. ET, leading directly into the highly anticipated primetime matchup between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.
While 7:30 p.m. ET is the featured pregame slot, the crew will also appear during halftimes and between games across the Christmas slate, offering insights and commentary as the day unfolds.
Where to Watch Inside the NBA on Christmas Day
The show will be broadcast simultaneously on ABC, ESPN, and the ESPN App, making it widely accessible across cable and streaming platforms.
The legendary quartet of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal will provide pregame analysis, halftime breakdowns, and postgame reactions throughout the night.
Despite TNT no longer holding NBA game rights under the league’s new media deal with ESPN, NBC, and Prime Video through the 2035–36 season, TNT Sports continues to produce Inside the NBA from its Atlanta studios. ESPN and ABC have licensed the show, ensuring the same familiar format, tone, and personalities that fans have followed for decades.
Inside the NBA Remains a Must-Watch on Christmas
Over its 36-year run, Inside the NBA has cemented itself as the gold standard of NBA studio programming, earning 21 Emmy Awards along the way. Its appeal lies not just in basketball expertise, but in the balance of humor, storytelling, and authenticity that sets it apart from traditional studio shows.
Christmas Day amplifies that appeal. With casual fans tuning in alongside die-hard viewers, Inside the NBA plays a key role in setting the tone for the league’s holiday showcase.
The crew’s debates, jokes, and candid reactions often become as memorable as the games themselves, especially during primetime matchups featuring superstars and contenders.
NBA 2025–26 Christmas Day Game Schedule (All Times ET)
- 12:00 p.m. – Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
- 2:30 p.m. – San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder
- 5:00 p.m. – Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
- 8:00 p.m. – Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers
- 10:30 p.m. – Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets
This year’s Christmas slate once again offers no shortage of storylines, and Inside the NBA will serve as the connective link between games, helping viewers contextualize performances and playoff implications.
