NBA Makes Blockbuster Return to NBC After 22 Years With Thunder vs Rockets Christmas Showdown
NBA Returns to NBC After 22 Years With Christmas Games

The National Basketball Association is set for a spectacular homecoming on British television screens this Christmas, marking its return to NBC after a 22-year absence that will have basketball fans across the UK celebrating.

Christmas Day Basketball Extravaganza

This festive season will see the NBA grace NBC networks once again with a mouth-watering Christmas Day double-header that promises to deliver premium basketball entertainment. The broadcasting giant has secured rights to air these marquee matches, bringing top-tier NBA action back to one of its former homes.

Thunder and Rockets Set for Showdown

The headline fixture features an electrifying encounter between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets, two teams packed with emerging talent and playoff ambitions. This Western Conference clash promises fast-paced action and highlight-reel plays that will showcase the future stars of the league.

LeBron's Lakers Take Centre Stage

In the second part of the double-header, basketball legend LeBron James leads his Los Angeles Lakers into Christmas battle, adding superstar power to an already compelling schedule. The Lakers' global appeal and James' enduring excellence make this must-see television for sports enthusiasts.

Broadcasting Renaissance

This landmark deal signals NBC's re-entry into professional basketball coverage after more than two decades, restoring a partnership that previously delighted fans throughout the 1990s. The return represents a significant moment for sports broadcasting and demonstrates the growing international appeal of the NBA.

For British basketball fans, the timing couldn't be better. With the NBA's popularity surging across the UK and European markets, having these premium games accessible on established networks provides the perfect platform to grow the sport's audience even further.

The Christmas Day schedule has traditionally been reserved for the NBA's most anticipated matchups, featuring its biggest stars and most compelling storylines. This year's selection continues that proud tradition while adding the historical significance of NBC's return to the mix.