SAN ANTONIO, TX (November 20, 2024) – This Christmas, ESPN and Disney are teaming up to deliver a groundbreaking, animated NBA experience like never before. The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks will face off in a reimagined, virtual game set against the enchanting backdrop of “Main Street, USA” in Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney World Resort. Dubbed “Dunk the Halls,” this first-of-its-kind presentation will air alongside ESPN’s traditional live broadcast of the Spurs vs. Knicks matchup at Madison Square Garden in New York.

A Magical Setting

“Dunk the Halls” takes viewers to a winter wonderland on Main Street, USA, where Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Goofy, and Chip and Dale will cheer on the animated NBA players. Shots of iconic Magic Kingdom landmarks, including Cinderella’s Castle, will be featured throughout the broadcast, adding an extra dose of holiday magic.

The storyline kicks off with Mickey Mouse making a Christmas wish to Santa Claus, asking to bring NBA players to “Main Street, USA” for the first-ever animated NBA game.

Innovative Technology Brings the Game to Life

Using real-time visualization technology enabled by Sony’s Beyond Sports and Hawk-Eye Innovations’ optical tracking, every move from the real-life game will be mirrored by motion-enabled, animated versions of Spurs and Knicks players. Fans can watch every three-pointer, dunk, pass, and more as it happens live in New York, seamlessly recreated in Magic Kingdom’s whimsical setting.

Halftime Highlights and Holiday Fun

The magic doesn’t stop at gameplay. At halftime, Disney characters led by Mickey Mouse will compete in a slam dunk contest, Santa’s elves will operate the cameras, and Santa himself will control ESPN’s SkyCam. Other holiday fun includes:

Pregame and halftime speeches delivered by Disney characters;
Decorating a massive Christmas tree mid-game;
A churro-eating contest starring Goofy;
A special snowfall moment on Main Street, USA.

Star-Studded Commentary Team

The animated telecast will feature ESPN commentators Drew Carter and Monica McNutt as play-by-play and analyst, respectively. Joining them is sideline reporter Daisy Duck, bringing a festive touch to the broadcast. Carter and McNutt will don Meta Quest Pro headsets to experience the game as virtual commentators, thanks to Sony’s Beyond Sports’ Virtual Commentator Technology.

Where to Watch

All five NBA Christmas Day games will be available on ABC, ESPN, Disney+, and ESPN+. The traditional Spurs vs. Knicks broadcast will feature Ryan Ruocco, Cory Alexander, and Cassidy Hubbarth.

“Dunk the Halls” continues the innovative legacy of ESPN and the NBA, which has previously delivered creative alt-cast experiences like Marvel’s Arena of Heroes and The Simpsons Funday Football.

For more details on the Christmas Day NBA schedule, visit ESPNPressRoom.com.