In a groundbreaking collaboration that could revolutionize sports broadcasting, Disney, ESPN and the NBA are teaming up this Christmas to deliver the gift of “Dunk the Halls” – the first-ever real-time animated NBA game broadcast. This unprecedented alt-cast will transport viewers to a virtual Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, where iconic Disney characters will join the live game action.
Mickey & Friends Hit the Hardwood
The storyline behind this innovative presentation begins with Mickey Mouse’s Christmas wish to Santa Claus – to bring the NBA to Disney World for a truly magical game. His wish comes true as the New York Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, host the San Antonio Spurs and their dynamic duo of Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul on the virtual hardwood of Main Street, USA.
Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Goofy and more will be cheering from the animated stands, marking the first time these beloved characters “attend” a live professional sports event. But the Disney crew won’t just be spectating – Mickey and friends are set to steal the show with a special halftime slam dunk contest!
Pushing the Boundaries of Sports Broadcasting
“Dunk the Halls” continues ESPN and the NBA’s tradition of innovative collaborations, leveraging the unparalleled assets of The Walt Disney Company. In 2021, the two entities partnered with Marvel for the “Arena of Heroes” NBA game alt-cast. Now, they’re quite literally animating the game of basketball.
We’re always looking for groundbreaking ways to serve NBA fans and ‘Dunk the Halls’ delivers on that promise in an entirely new way. By combining the magic of Disney, the passion of the NBA, and the creativity of ESPN, we’re able to reimagine how fans experience the game.
– NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
The “Dunk the Halls” alt-cast will utilize state-of-the-art virtual animation technology to re-create the live game action in real-time. Player movements, ball trajectories, and even facial expressions will be mapped onto stylized animated avatars, blending the physicality of real NBA stars with the limitless possibilities of the cartoon realm.
A Christmas Wish Come True
For Disney, “Dunk the Halls” represents an opportunity to reach sports fans in an entirely new way – and maybe inspire a few new Disney fans in the process. By opening up the “Most Magical Place on Earth” to the NBA, the company aims to add an extra sprinkle of pixie dust to ESPN’s Christmas Day lineup.
Sports are all about wish fulfillment – the wish to defy gravity, to hit the game-winning shot, to bring home a championship. Working with the NBA and ESPN, we have a unique opportunity to tap into that aspirational spirit and grant sports fans a different kind of wish this Christmas – to see the game they love like they’ve never seen it before.
– Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company
For NBA fans, the chance to see basketball’s brightest stars rub elbows with the most iconic animated characters of all time is the definition of a Disney wish come true. And with a halftime dunk contest for the ages in store, “Dunk the Halls” promises to take fans’ Christmas spirit to new heights.
How to Watch the Magic Unfold
NBA fans can unwrap this one-of-a-kind gift by tuning into the “Dunk the Halls” alt-cast on Christmas Day at 12PM ET on ESPN2, ESPN+ and Disney+. The traditional game broadcast will air on ESPN.
- What: “Dunk the Halls” – An NBA Christmas Day Alt-Cast
- Who: San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks…starring Mickey Mouse and Friends
- When: Christmas Day – December 25th at 12PM ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN2, ESPN+, Disney+
Will this mark a new era in sports broadcasting? Can Victor Wembanyama outdunk Goofy? Will the virtual fans storm the animated court if the Knicks pull off a Christmas miracle? Tune in to “Dunk the Halls” to find out – and to experience the magic of sports in a whole new way.
