The NBL is entering unchartered sporting territory, opting to schedule a fixture on Day this year.
On Wednesday, the league announced reigning champions Kings will host United in a blockbuster clash at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, December 25.
The bold decision follows the lead of the and NFL in the US, which enjoy huge ratings on the traditional family day.
The NBA has a long history of playing marquee games on Christmas Day – stretching back to 1947 – on what has become the biggest day of its regular season.
Basketball fans in Australia will also be treated to a clash between the Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix from the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Christmas Eve.
The NBL is entering uncharted sporting territory, opting to schedule a fixture on Christmas Day this year between the Sydney Kings (pictured) and Melbourne United
The bold decision from the NBL follows the lead of the NBA and NFL in the US, which enjoy huge ratings on the traditional family day on December 25 (stock image)
With Christmas Eve and OKEPLAY777 Christmas Day falling on a weekend this year, NBL officials have decided to test the water in the Harbour City.
Kings co-owner Paul Smith labelled the fixture announcement a ‘game changer’.
‘It’s the last scheduling frontier in sport in Australia,’ Smith told the
‘We are a changing society. Christmas isn’t a holy event for all of us, and it can be a lonely day for a lot of people.
‘So, to be able to come out to a world-class venue for a world-class game of hoops, or just watching the Sydney Kings at home on television, it’s a game changer.’
Kings co-owner Paul Smith labelled the Xmas Day fixture announcement a ‘game changer’