Disney, ESPN, and the NBA are teaming up to present Dunk the Halls, the first real-time animated NBA game using Sony’s Beyond Sports technology, on Christmas Day, December 25, at noon ET. The New York Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, will host the San Antonio Spurs with Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul. The game airs on ESPN2, Disney+, and ESPN+ and marks the first animated NBA broadcast and the first NBA game streamed on Disney+.
Set on Magic Kingdom Park’s iconic “Main Street, USA,” the game features appearances by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and other Disney characters, alongside iconic locations like Cinderella’s Castle. The storyline revolves around Mickey’s Christmas wish to bring NBA players to “Main Street, USA” for this unique holiday experience.
Each player will be motion-enabled and animated using Sony’s Beyond Sports and Hawk-Eye Innovations technology, recreating every play from the real-life Knicks vs. Spurs game in real-time. Halftime highlights include a Disney character dunk contest, Santa Claus operating the SkyCam, and other whimsical moments like Goofy’s churro-eating challenge.
Commentary will be provided by Drew Carter and Monica McNutt, joined by sideline reporter Daisy Duck. The broadcast also integrates cutting-edge VR technology, immersing commentators directly into the animated Magic Kingdom setting. Dunk the Halls promises a festive blend of sports, Disney magic, and groundbreaking innovation.
