The NFL aired two games on Christmas Day in 2024, a move that may have angered the NBA while also bringing in impressive viewership figures. What Happened : While many sports leagues see strong viewership in the United States, the NFL has been king for years and that may have been even more evident with streaming records set Wednesday for its premiere on streaming giant Netflix Inc NFLX . Two NFL Christmas Day games featuring four teams who have made the NFL Playoffs broke records for the league with an average of 24.1 million viewers for the earlier Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers game and an average of 24.3 million viewers for the Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans game. The ratings beat a previous NFL streaming record of 23 million set by Comcast Corporation CMCSA with an exclusive game on Peacock during the previous NFL Playoffs. The figures also broke a regular-season record of 17.92 million set by the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers on Amazon.com Inc AMZN owned Prime Video in December, as reported by FrontOfficeSports . Netflix said Nielsen data showed 65 million U.S. viewers watched at least one minute of the NFL games, with average viewership peaking at 27 million during Beyoncé’s halftime performance in the Ravens and Texans game. NBA superstar LeBron James might not want to see the viewership figures and hear about the records. After the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day, James declared the holiday as belonging to the NBA. "I love the NFL. I love the NFL. But Christmas is our day," James said. Read Also: Netflix To Release ‘Beyoncé Bowl’ NFL Halftime Performance As Standalone Special Can NBA and NFL Both Win? : While Christmas produced records for the NFL, the NBA also enjoyed a strong day for viewership. The NBA aired five games on Christmas Day, which aired on ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and Disney+, all units of The Walt Disney Company DIS . NBA Christmas Day games averaged 5.25 million viewers, up 84% year-over-year. Helping the viewership may have been the teams involved and the fact that all five games were available on ABC, while only two were last year. This figure is the highest for the NBA on the holiday in five years. The Lakers and Warriors game averaged 7.76 million viewers, ranking as the NBA's most-watched Christmas Day game since 2019. For the 2024 NBA season, viewership is now down 4% year-over-year after the Christmas day games, compared to being down 18% year-over-year ahead of Wednesday. NBA viewership on ESPN platforms is now up 4% year-over-year, as reported by Deadline . The NBA could also benefit from the Christmas Day games, with its owned NBA League Pass reporting its most-viewed Christmas Day ever. What's Next: For the NFL, encroaching on other sports isn't exactly new and likely won't be changing anytime soon. The NFL began Monday Night Football games in 1970 and later added Thursday Night Football games in 2006, which now stream on Prime Video. NFL games air on Saturdays during December and January, diverging from the league’s usual avoidance of the day for most of the season due to NCAA Football and the restrictions of the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. This year, the NCAA expanded its College Football Playoffs from four to 12 teams, leading to a rare head-to-head clash with the NFL last weekend. On Saturday, Dec. 21, the NFL had two games, and there were three College Football Playoffs games, with two airing on TNT Sports, a unit of Warner Bros. Discovery WBD , and one airing on ABC and ESPN. Netflix has a three-year deal with the NFL and will stream at least one game on Christmas for the next two seasons. The increase in Christmas Day games from the NFL might come as a bit of a surprise after the league said last year it was only scheduling games on Christmas 2023 because the day fell on Monday, a traditional NFL date, as reported by NBC Sports. The league said it wouldn't schedule games on Christmas if it fell on a Tuesday or Wednesday previously, according to the report, but strong viewership last year and the potential for more money may have changed the league's mind. Netflix has more sports content coming with its WWE deal through a partnership with TKO Group Holdings TKO , premiering on Jan. 6. The NBA is likely stuck with going head-to-head with the NFL on Christmas Day, regardless of what day the holiday falls on. One way for the NBA to get back at the NFL would be to start scheduling games on Thanksgiving , a date the league has avoided due to the NFL having three games that day. NFLX Price Action: Netflix stock was down 1.8% to $907.55 on Friday, versus a 52-week trading range of $461.86 to $941.75. Read Next: If You Invested $1,000 In Netflix Stock When ‘Squid Game’ Was Released, Here’s How Much You’d Have Today Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.NEOSHO, Mo. — Joplin and Neosho were both shooting a head-scratching 20% from the field after the first quarter of their game on Friday afternoon at the Neosho Junior High in the Neosho Holiday Classic. The Eagles were efficient in the second quarter and grew their lead to 9 points at 22-13 going into halftime. They held off a late run by the Wildcats in the final quarter and earned a 41-40 victory, making Joplin girls 1-1 in the tournament and Neosho girls 0-2. "Yeah that was huge for us today. Coach (Tyler) Chaney does a great job down here (at Neosho). They were running a lot of box-and-one on Alissa Owens. The main way to beat a zone is to outrun it," Joplin head coach Brad Cox said. That's what Joplin did in the second frame as Aiyana Kroll got free and ran the floor quickly during some fastbreak opportunities, caught the passes and converted a couple layups to help stretch the lead. Kroll, Owens and Solei Parker really had it going in that frame as they were the only Eagles to score. Kroll tallied 6 in the second period alone and Owens and Parker added 4 each. Joplin used the fastbreak baskets to jump out to a 22-8 lead before Neosho converted the last 5 points of the quarter to make it 22-13 at half. Beclynn Garrett made a 3-pointer and Jazmyn Washington added a basket off an offensive rebound. "Neosho's always going to fight you to the very end. They're not going to give up," Cox said. "I'm very proud of our girls. It's very easy in that situation to feel like its slipping away. But we hit some big shots down the stretch." The Wildcats didn't give up. They came storming back late in the third quarter and never looked back. They had gotten within 4 points and caught a missed free throw and Garrett dribbled just about eight feet beyond half court and fired up a long-range triple and it was nothing but net to make it 41-40 with 1.6 seconds remaining. "We had a timeout right before that and coach (Chaney) was like, 'You have to have a quick three, it doesn't matter where you're at,'" Garrett said. "I just pulled up and shot it. I don't know how I made it. A little bit of a prayer there." "What a shot. I wouldn't expect anything else from her. Solei did a great job on her, limiting her for most of the game," Cox said. Joplin passed the ball in to Riley Kelly and there was no foul committed before the clock expired as the Eagles held on. There was confidence in the Neosho locker room despite trailing at halftime by 9 points. "We definitely weren't down at halftime. The score might have said we were down but we were in the locker getting hyped. We knew we could come back," Garrett said. "We've came from behind many times and we knew this was a game we could. "Unfortunately we didn't get all the way there but, man, we made it quite close." Garrett led all scorers with 25 points and she scored 12 of those in the fourth. She shot 4 for 6 overall in the final quarter, 2 for 3 from outside and 2 for 3 at the free throw line. She was 7 for 8 overall on free throws. Washington joined her in double figures with 11. Both players had seven rebounds. Joplin was led by Kroll's 12 points while Parker and Owens chipped in 9 each. Kroll was close to a double-double with nine rebounds. The Eagles attempted seven more shots in the game and Cox considers that a key factor for his team and the way they run their offense. "That starts with great defense and rebounding. I was very proud of our rebounding. That's been a struggle but we did a great job on the boards and boxing out today," Cox said. "Hats off to Kelly Kumbier. She's 5-6 and she's out there guarding a 6-1 girl." Neosho's Journey Arnall and Washington are both tall post players who are usually grabbing plenty of rebounds. That's who Kumbier had to battle against. Neosho had a slight advantage of 35-31 in rebounds. Joplin finished with a field goal percentage of 36%. It was 48% (12 of 25) in the second and fourth quarters. Neosho shot 32.6% overall and was 45% (10 of 22) in the second half. Joplin's Isabella Cruse hit a 3-pointer to get the lead up to 10 points at 29-19 late in the third. But that's when Neosho started to cut into the deficit. Garrett drew a foul and sank both free throws to get within 8 points with 1:45 left in the third. With 33.8 seconds remaining in the quarter she made a tough left-handed scoop layup and finished through contact. A foul was called and she added a free throw for an old-fashioned 3-point play to make it 29-24. That was the last score of the quarter. Joplin led by 10 at 36-26 in the final stanza and then held a 9-point lead at 38-29 with less than two minutes to play. Empty possessions by the Eagles gave Neosho opportunities to claw back. Jazmyn Washington made back-to-back baskets with the second coming with 1:25 left to play and the scoreboard showing a 38-33 advantage for Joplin. After a layup from Kroll, Neosho's Garrett buried a 3-pointer to inch closer at 40-36 with 55 seconds to play. After getting another stop, Garrett drew a foul and went to the free throw line where she had gone 6 for 6 on the day. Garrett made the first. But she missed the second shot off the side of the iron. That made it 40-37 with 16.5 seconds left. Cox took a timeout with 10.6 remaining. Then the Wildcats fouled with about 8.5 remaining. Parker made 1 of 2 free shots to make it 41-37.
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JuJu Watkins has been on quite a tear for USC to start the new season. The 19-year-old has picked up right where she left off following an incredible freshman season at Southern California that saw her earn all sorts of honors in her first year in college. In five games played in the 2024-25 campaign, Watkins is already averaging 22.0 points , 6.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 3.4 steals and 2.6 blocks. She's led the No. 6 Trojans to a 4-1 record as they look to compete for a national championship this year. Watkins still has a couple more years in the NCAA before she turns pro. She will only be eligible for the WNBA draft once she turns 22, which gives her two more seasons in college -- including this one -- before she's potentially drafted in 2027. At this point, however, the comparisons between herself and Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark have already been rampant. Many consider Watkins to be the face of women's college basketball right now, which is a title that Clark held before she left Iowa for the WNBA. Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images ESPN reporter Monica McNutt, however, strongly believes that Watkins has the potential to have the same impact in the WNBA that Clark has had once the former turns pro. "Caitlin had a fantastic year," McNutt said in a recent episode of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony's "7PM in Brooklyn" podcast. "Rookie of the Year, exceeded expectations. I think JuJu has the potential to do the same thing when she gets to the pros, but if we could get that energy going from the college basketball ranks into the W[NBA] season, I think it's only up." I’m seeing a lot of people saying not to compare Juju to Caitlin, which I actually happen to agree with. I think Juju is incredibly talented, and a class act. I’m 100% rooting for her, but I think a lot of fans and media are putting an insane amount of pressure on her instead of... pic.twitter.com/2rOUV6pChp McNutt clearly has some extremely high expectations for Watkins. So much so, that the ESPN sportscaster has come out to say that she believes the Los Angeles, California native can replicate what Clark has done for the WNBA since her arrival not only on a personal level but perhaps more importantly, in terms of taking the league to new heights. McNutt's comparison has captured the attention of the fans on social media. While there is no argument about Watkins' elite talent, some supporters still aren't convinced that she will have the same "Caitlin Clark effect" once Watkins turns pro. "I absolutely love Juju game—shes a baller and only gonna get better," said a fan. "That said, I dont see her having the same crossover appeal as CC. On the court, shell be on par with CC, but IMO, she hasnt quite developed the charisma in interviews thats essential for driving marketability." "Caitlin's just 'hits' different!" a comment read. "The key word is organic. Plus, CC has that 'hometown' hero kind of story coming from & staying in Iowa. She 'willed' Iowa to rise. JuJu's story is the typically 'machine-made & groomed' athlete story. JuJu is great without the 'ness' in greatness." "It took 54 years for Caitlin to come along. This Juju will be a star no doubt, but she's no CC," reacted a reader. "JuJu is & will be a great player, but the W has had alot of GREAT players, Maya Moore, Candace, DT," pointed out another. "But will she be more impactful than Caitlin? CC inspired people to watch & cheer for something they'd never seen before. We've seen JuJu types. "They so desperately want their own CC. It’s not going to happen," declared a user. "They are pushing her way too early.." surmised another. "they are putting her front and centre already and she’s a sophomore.. hell usc ain’t even selling out their own arena. USC v ND wasn’t even sold out" Watkins herself is well aware of the comparisons fans and pundits have thrown in her direction. In a recent exclusive interview with Athlon Sports' Angelo Guinhawa, the USC superstar made it abundantly clear that for her, she's just doing her own thing . "I would say I just do my best to be myself and play my way," Watkins said. "I don't really think too much about the comparisons or the pressure, but I would say I just go out there and try to have fun, do what I do and continue to work hard. I think that's my mentality always." Watkins isn't shying away from the pressure, but it's evident that she's also making an effort to blaze her own trail, so to speak. Related: Jokes Are Pouring in About Caitlin Clark's Appearance in Boyfriend's Basketball Game Related: JuJu Watkins' Blunt Take on Caitlin Clark Comparisons After NIL Deal
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CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in a Major League Baseball game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler's staff in 2020, becoming the majors' first full-time female coach. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks fell broadly on Friday as Wall Street closed out a holiday-shortened week on a down note. The losses were made worse by sharp declines for the Big Tech stocks known as the “Magnificent 7”, which can heavily influence the direction of the market because of their large size. The S&P 500 fell 66.75 points, or 1.1%, to 5,970.84. Roughly 90% of stocks in the benchmark index lost ground, but it managed to hold onto a modest gain of 0.7% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 333.59 points, or 0.8%, to 42,992.21. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite fell 298.33 points, or 1.5%, to 19,722.03. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slumped 2.1%. Microsoft declined 1.7%. Each has a market value above $3 trillion, giving the companies outsized sway on the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 1.5% and Best Buy slipped 1.5%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. Energy stocks held up better than the rest of the market, with a loss of less than 0.1% as crude oil prices rose. “There’s just some uncertainty over this relief rally we’ve witnessed since last week,” said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial. The S&P 500 gained nearly 3% over a 3-day stretch before breaking for the Christmas holiday. On Thursday, the index posted a small decline. Despite Friday's drop, the market is moving closer to another standout annual finish . The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of around 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. The stream of upbeat economic data and easing inflation helped prompt a reversal in the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy this year. Expectations for interest rate cuts also helped drive market gains. The central bank recently delivered its third cut to interest rates in 2024. Even though inflation has come closer to the central bank's target of 2%, it remains stubbornly above that mark and worries about it heating up again have tempered the forecast for more interest rate cuts. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market’s path ahead and shifting economic policies under incoming President Donald Trump. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Amedisys rose 4.7% after the home health care and hospice services provider agreed to extend the deadline for its sale to UnitedHealth Group. The Justice Department had sued to block the $3.3 billion deal, citing concerns the combination would hinder access to home health and hospice services in the U.S. The move to extend the deadline comes ahead of an expected shift in regulatory policy under Trump. The incoming administration is expected to have a more permissive approach to dealmaking and is less likely to raise antitrust concerns. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. Markets in Europe gained ground. Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62% from 4.59% late Thursday. The yield on the two-year Treasury remained at 4.33% from late Thursday. Wall Street will have more economic updates to look forward to next week, including reports on pending home sales and home prices. There will also be reports on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity.