For the fourth straight year the NBL has Christmas night sorted, with some action-packed regular season basketball to finish off the big day.
After the huge success of the NBA's Christmas Day slate for a number of years, the NBL decided to introduce Christmas Day hoops for the first time in the 2022-23 season.
Since, it has become a regular part of the league's fixture.
AllSportsPeople has all the details on how to watch the NBL on Christmas Day, as well as the start time, and which teams will be playing.
Which NBL teams are playing on Christmas Day?
In 2025, the NBL has settled on just one game for Christmas Day after a double-header in 2024.
This year, the Sydney Kings will take on the Illawarra Hawks, in a rematch of last year's Christmas Day matchup.
The Kings have featured on Christmas Day every year since the NBL introduced the fixture in 2022, defeating Melbourne United that year before losing the last two to Illawarra.
2025 marks the third time the Hawks will play on Christmas Day.
Despite the Hawks defeating the Kings in each of their last two Christmas Day battles, Illawarra have struggled this season, entering this year's contest with just a 6-12 record, while the Kings are 11-7.
The Hawks and Kings have met just once this season, with Sydney winning easily 98-71.
Where to Watch the NBL on Christmas Day 2025
- Channel: ESPN on Foxtel
- Live Stream: Kayo Sports / Disney+
The only place to watch the NBL on Christmas Day this year is through ESPN. For those with access to ESPN's Foxtel TV channel, the game will be broadcasted live. In addition, Kayo Sports and Disney+ both allow subscribers to access ESPN, meaning a subscription to either service will allow fans to enjoy the NBL on Christmas Day.
New users of Kayo can currently sign up for a FREE trial. This dedicated streaming service offers affordable, contract-free plans starting at just $25 per month. Plus, it’s a paradise for sports fans, streaming plenty of live action, including cricket, AFL, F1, and much more.
NBL on Christmas Day 2025 start time
- Date: Thursday, December 25, 2025
- Time: 8:30 p.m. AEDT
- Location: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, New South Wales
Tip-off for this year's Christmas Day won't be until 8:30 p.m., giving everyone plenty of time to get home in time for the start. Here's how that translates across Australia.
Here's how that time translates across Australia:
| Date | Start time | |
| Australian Eastern Daylight Time | Thu, Dec. 25 | 8:30 p.m. |
| Australian Central Daylight Time | Thu, Dec. 25 | 8:00 p.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Thu, Dec. 25 | 5:30 p.m. |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Thu, Dec. 25 | 7:30 p.m. |