Disney, ESPN Bring Back “Dunk the Halls” Animated NBA Broadcast for Knicks-Cavs Christmas Matchup
Christmas Day hoops are getting a little more animated-literally. ESPN and Disney are teaming up once again for a unique twist on the NBA’s holiday slate, rolling out a second edition of their alternate animated broadcast, “Dunk the Halls,” during Thursday’s matchup between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers.
If you caught last year’s version, you’ll know what to expect-but this year, they’re adding a few new wrinkles. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and Disney Channel, with streaming options available on ESPN+ and Disney+. And while the basketball action will be very real, the visuals will be anything but.
This holiday-themed alt-cast transforms the hardwood into the heart of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. The players?
Still Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell and company-but here, they’ll appear as animated Disney avatars, mirroring their real-time movements through advanced tracking technology powered by Sony and Hawk-Eye Innovations. It's the same tech that’s helped bring tennis and soccer broadcasts into the 21st century, now reimagined for the NBA in a way that’s both immersive and family-friendly.
Returning to the broadcast booth are ESPN’s Drew Carter and Monica McNutt, who called last year’s animated showdown between the Spurs and Knicks. They’ll be joined this time by a new sideline reporter with some serious Disney pedigree-Daisy Duck. And making his first appearance on “Dunk the Halls” is Stitch, the blue alien mischief-maker from Lilo & Stitch, who’s expected to bring some extra chaos to the virtual court.
The Knicks-Cavs tilt is the latest in a growing trend of alternative broadcasts that aim to bring in younger audiences and offer longtime fans a fresh perspective. Earlier this month, ESPN aired a “Monsters Inc.”-themed version of Monday Night Football between the Eagles and Chargers, complete with animated mayhem that matched the chaos on the field-including a wild sequence of turnovers that had the animation engine working overtime.
It’s not just ESPN pushing the envelope. CBS has been running Nickelodeon-themed NFL broadcasts since 2020, featuring everything from SpongeBob graphics to virtual slime cannons exploding after touchdowns. The concept even made its way to the Super Bowl in 2024, with an animated version of Super Bowl LVIII airing on Nickelodeon alongside the traditional broadcast.
And of course, there’s the ManningCast. What started in 2021 as a quirky, low-key alternative to the standard Monday Night Football broadcast has grown into a staple of ESPN’s NFL coverage. With Peyton and Eli Manning offering their signature mix of analysis and banter-often joined by celebrity guests like Charles Barkley-it’s become appointment viewing for fans who want insight with a side of entertainment.
With “Dunk the Halls,” ESPN and Disney are continuing to explore how far they can push the boundaries of live sports presentation. It’s not just about dressing up the game-it’s about reimagining how fans, especially younger ones, experience it. And with the Knicks and Cavs both bringing plenty of star power and playoff aspirations into this Christmas Day clash, the basketball should be just as compelling as the animation surrounding it.
So whether you're tuning in for the on-court action or to see Donald Duck call a timeout, Thursday’s broadcast promises to be one of the most unique viewing experiences of the NBA season.