Dunk the Halls Returns: A Magical NBA Christmas Day Experience
We're proud to announce the return of Dunk the Halls, an immersive, animated NBA experience created by Beyond Sports in collaboration with ESPN, Disney, and the NBA. Following its successful debut last December as the league's first live animated broadcast, this year’s sequel is again powered by Beyond Sports technology. This unique virtual recreation blends live basketball with the magic of Disney's Magic Kingdom® Park. Mark your calendars for Christmas Day 2025 at 12 PM ET to watch the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the New York Knicks in this special festive broadcast.
A Story Worth Watching
The story focuses on Mickey’s Christmas wish to Santa Claus that once again brings the NBA to Magic Kingdom® for a magical, animated matchup – and this year, the troublemaker Stitch’s arrival turns the celebration upside down.
Disney fans can look forward to plenty of franchise-specific easter eggs and story-driven segments throughout the broadcast, designed to draw viewers into the captivating virtual experience. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip and Dale will return to cheer from the sidelines – joined for the first time by Stitch, who makes his Dunk the Halls debut as this year’s breakout star. From his playful antics on the sidelines to leading the new halftime Christmas Parade, the mischievous alien’s chaotic energy will drive the fun throughout. Shots of “Main Street, U.S.A.” and iconic landmarks like Cinderella’s Castle will appear throughout, reimagined with festive décor, snowfall and a few Stitch-inspired surprises.
The Technology Behind the Magic
Our technology uses real-time visualization and motion tracking, combined with Hawk-Eye Innovations' optical tracking data, to transform every dunk, pass, and layup from Madison Square Garden into an animated scene on Main Street, U.S.A.
In this immersive, family-friendly experience, live player data turns NBA stars into animated avatars in real time. The broadcast mirrors the on-court action within the festive-themed world of Magic Kingdom®, allowing fans to watch a holiday spectacle featuring Disney favorites that reflects the live game's energy. This smooth integration of IP and gameplay is made possible by our advanced player modeling technology, bringing the NBA player avatars, Mickey, and Stitch to life on the court with natural, authentic movements—no matter their size or proportions. This year's edition also expands the use of Beyond Sports’ Virtual Commentator technology, letting broadcasters experience the game in VR as if they were courtside in the animated world.
The Future of Sports Broadcasting
The announcement of a second animated NBA broadcast, the upcoming NFL Monsters Funday Football on Dec. 8, and plans for NHL and WNBA alternate broadcasts in the 2025/26 season reflect the rising demand for alternative sports content. Beyond Sports is at the forefront of this evolution, transforming live game data into engaging, animated experiences. By translating real-time sports action into fully animated broadcasts—with character-driven storytelling, virtual commentary, and dynamic environments—we are proving that this type of content is not just a novelty but a lasting new format in sports broadcasting. This innovative approach is reshaping sports entertainment, helping leagues connect with younger and global audiences in exciting new ways.
Don’t miss it!
What: Dunk The Halls - the sequel
When: 25th December 2025, 12pm ET
Where: Catch the action on ESPN2, Disney+, Disney Channel, Disney XD, and the ESPN App for an unforgettable, immersive viewing experience.