Jason Kelce mocks NBA as NFL takes over Christmas - their response might surprise you

The NFL recently announced that they will host a tripleheader on Christmas Day this year, with games at 1 p.m. ET, 4:30 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. The NFL only started hosting an annual Christmas Day game in 2020, but expanded it to two games in the 2024 season last year.

The NBA, on the other hand, has played games on Christmas Day every year since 1947 - the league’s second season - hosting five games every season since 2008. And former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce says the NBA better get ready for some competition.

“NBA, you’re f***ed”

During his “New Heights” podcast, Kelce warned that the NFL would be taking over Christmas Day from the NBA, and in fact taking over “all the holidays”. And he didn’t hold back in his commentary.

“I’m a fan of playing on more primetime times. That’s when I’m watching TV and I like it when football is on television, so let’s keep putting good football games on television when everybody’s watching,” said Kelce.

“Let’s keep taking over all the holidays. We’re taking over Thanksgiving, Christmas. NBA, you’re f*cked. You’re never getting that back. I mean, that’s the way it is.”

Adam Silver responds to Kelce comments

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver responded to Kelce’s comments diplomatically, saying he welcomes the competition.

“There’s nothing wrong with competition,” Silver said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “We don’t own Christmas, even though we’ve been playing on Christmas Day for 75 years in our league. So there’s this huge tradition of playing on Christmas Day."

“But I think competition keeps you on your toes,” Silver continued. “The NFL sees an opportunity on Christmas. I accept that. But you know, to your question, I think we’ll continue to look at our schedule.”

The question Silver is referring to here is whether or not the NBA will consider shifting some games to Christmas Eve. But Silver’s response made it seem unlikely, as that’s the day the players have to spend with their families traditionally.

The NBA will likely schedule five games on Christmas Day again in the 2025 season, which will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN, as has been tradition. The league will announce the schedule closer to the start of the season.

NFL Christmas Day schedule 2025 (Thurs, Dec. 25):

• 1 p.m. ET: Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Commanders (Netflix)
• 4:30 p.m. ET: Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings (Netflix)
• 8 p.m. ET: Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs (Prime Video)

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