NEW YORK — A unique Christmas Day basketball event is set to take place at Walt Disney World, blending the charm of Disney characters with the excitement of an NBA game featuring Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs against the New York Knicks. This special matchup, airing on ABC and ESPN, will also have an animated presentation streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+, marking the first time an NBA game is rendered this way.
The game will be hosted at Madison Square Garden, a beloved venue during the NBA’s Christmas festivities. However, the excitement will extend to Disney as well, where the “Dunk the Halls” game will occur in a specially designed court amidst the iconic scenery where families often capture holiday memories.
This whimsical event was inspired by the festive wishes of none other than Mickey Mouse, who imagined a basketball game featuring his friends. In a playful narrative, Mickey writes to Santa to propose hosting a basketball game, which allows characters like Goofy and Donald Duck to join in on the fun. Goofy is set to take the place of a Knicks player, while Mickey and Minnie will step onto the court for the Spurs.
Phil Orlins, an ESPN vice president of production, noted the chemistry demonstrated in the animated game, comparing Goofy’s coordination with player Jalen Brunson to a top-notch pick-and-roll play.
The setting at Walt Disney World isn’t entirely new to basketball; in 2020, the NBA held actual games during the pandemic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports facility. For this Christmas presentation, viewers will be treated to the charming backdrop of Main Street USA, featuring recognizable landmarks such as Cinderella’s castle and the train station.
Other sports networks have previously experimented with animated broadcasts, including alternate presentations of NFL and NHL games set in beloved fictional universes. Unlike other sports where players wear helmets, the animation for basketball players required detail and precision to ensure accurate portrayals of their facial features and hairstyles.
David Sparrgrove, senior director of creative animation for ESPN, emphasized the unprecedented level of detail demanded for this telecast. Victor Wembanyama, known for his towering 7-foot-3 frame, will be depicted not just among fellow NBA competitors, but also alongside beloved Disney characters, prompting unique challenges for the animation team.
Commentator Drew Carter noted, “Seeing Victor Wembanyama in person is remarkable. It’s a surreal experience and I believe we successfully captured that essence in his animated form.” The matchup is especially appealing as it kicks off the NBA’s five-game Christmas lineup. Reaching peak viewership around noon EST, it will also resonate well with fans in France, considering the timing aligns with evening hours there.
To assist viewers unfamiliar with basketball terminology, 10 educational explainers will be included in the broadcast, bridging the gap between Disney enthusiasts and sports fans. The technology used allows animated players to mirror the live-action movements showcased in the arena, while Carter and analyst Monica McNutt will immerse themselves in the broadcast while styled in animated characters.
Additional animated fun will feature familiar figures, including NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who will judge a halftime dunk contest, alongside Santa, who will operate the ESPN “SkyCam” throughout the game.
Players have expressed excitement about this innovative venture. Chris Paul, a veteran on the Spurs, remarked on the potential for this animated presentation to attract younger fans, saying, “It’s going to be exciting to watch everything come to life in animation, giving kids a fresh perspective on the game.”
