Netflix made history this Christmas, setting a new record for the most streamed NFL games in the U.S. Nearly 65 million viewers tuned in to watch two thrilling matchups, marking a monumental debut for Netflix’s exclusive Christmas Day NFL broadcasts.

The Baltimore Ravens’ win against the Houston Texans drew an average of 24.3 million viewers, while the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers closely followed with 24.1 million viewers. The audience peaked during Beyoncé’s dazzling halftime performance during the Ravens-Texans game, attracting over 27 million viewers.

“Bringing our members this record-breaking day of two NFL games was the best Christmas gift we could have delivered,” Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria shared in a press release. She also credited their partnership with the NFL, exceptional on-air talent, and standout performances from Beyoncé and Mariah Carey.

These games marked the start of a three-year deal between Netflix and the NFL to stream exclusive Christmas matchups.

NBA Also Shines on Christmas Day

The NFL wasn’t the only sports league celebrating. The NBA had its most-watched Christmas Day in five years, averaging 5.25 million viewers per game across its five-game lineup.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ triumph over the Golden State Warriors led the way, drawing an average of 7.76 million viewers and peaking at 8.32 million. It became the most-watched NBA regular season and Christmas Day game in half a decade.

The New York Knicks’ victory over the San Antonio Spurs also made waves as the most-watched Christmas Day opener in 13 years, with an average of 4.91 million viewers.

Rickey Henderson, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, has passed away at the age of 65. Known as “The Man of Steal,” Henderson set enduring records for stolen bases (1,406) and runs scored (2,295) during a career that spanned from 1979 to 2003.

A two-time World Series champion, Henderson played pivotal roles in the Oakland Athletics’ 1989 victory and the Toronto Blue Jays’ 1993 triumph. His career accolades include 10 All-Star selections and the 1990 American League Most Valuable Player award. Henderson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.

“Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and lead-off hitting,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “He epitomized speed, power, and entertainment, setting the tone at the top of the lineup for multiple generations of baseball fans.”

In addition to his stolen base and runs records, Henderson’s remarkable career included a .297 batting average, 297 home runs, and 1,115 RBIs. He also holds the record for the most lead-off home runs in MLB history, with 81.

Henderson played for nine teams during his illustrious career, but he is most closely associated with the Oakland Athletics, where he had four separate stints. The Athletics issued a heartfelt statement, saying, “Rickey Henderson is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His on-field accomplishments speak for themselves, and his records will forever stand atop baseball history. He was undoubtedly the most legendary player in Oakland history.”

Fans and players alike are mourning the loss of Henderson, whose electrifying style of play revolutionized baseball and left an indelible mark on the sport. His legacy as a dynamic force both on and off the field will continue to inspire generations of athletes and fans.

Farhad Moshiri, the outgoing owner of Everton Football Club, expressed “mixed emotions” as he reflected on his eight-year tenure following the sale of his stake to the Friedkin Group in a deal reportedly worth over £400 million.

The British-Iranian businessman’s ownership concluded on Thursday, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter for the Toffees. In an open letter to supporters, Moshiri acknowledged both the challenges and achievements of his time at the club, expressing regret over missed opportunities, particularly referencing the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.

“We brought top-class managers like Carlo Ancelotti to the club, and who knows where we might have been had he not been lured back to Real Madrid,” Moshiri wrote.

During his tenure, Everton endured a series of difficulties, including managerial changes, strained fan relations, relegation battles, financial instability, and even a points deduction by the Premier League. Despite these struggles, Moshiri highlighted his contributions to modernizing the club’s infrastructure, including significant investments in a state-of-the-art training ground and the construction of Everton’s new “iconic stadium.”

“Leaving Everton with a stadium for all Evertonians and the wider community to enjoy for decades is something I feel real pride in,” he stated.

While acknowledging that on-field results “frankly haven’t been good enough,” Moshiri emphasized efforts to keep ticket prices among the most affordable in the Premier League, even as he personally bore the financial burdens of modernizing the club.

Fan groups have welcomed the sale with optimism, viewing it as a fresh start after a chaotic period. The Friedkin Group’s acquisition is seen as a potential turning point for Everton, which now looks to rebuild and stabilize both on and off the pitch.