This holiday season, Disney, ESPN, and the NBA are teaming up to post animated sporting events now. “Dunk the Halls,” a real-time animated NBA game, will combine cutting-edge technology with Disney magic for an unusual Christmas Day event.
Basketball fans and Disney lovers alike are in for a treat as ESPN and the NBA present “Dunk the Halls”, the first-ever live animated broadcast of an NBA game. Airing on December 25, 2024, the game will feature the New York Knicks hosting the San Antonio Spurs, but with an extraordinary setting: Main Street, USA in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.
This holiday-themed broadcast will bring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and even Santa Claus to the court, blending sports with storytelling in a way only Disney can deliver.
“Dunk the Halls” Trailer
How to Watch Disney’s “Dunk the Halls.”
Fans can catch this groundbreaking game live at noon ET on ESPN2, Disney+, and ESPN+, where the fully animated version will air. For those who prefer the traditional broadcast, it will be available on ABC, ESPN, Disney+, and ESPN+, making it accessible to everyone.
A Magical Sports Experience
Thanks to Sony’s Beyond Sports technology, players will appear as motion-enabled animated characters, bringing their athletic moves to life in a virtual Disney-themed setting.
The fun doesn’t stop with the gameplay. Expect exciting extras like:
- A halftime slam dunk contest featuring Disney characters.
- Santa Claus and his elves playing special roles.
- Commentary from Drew Carter and Monica McNutt, with Daisy Duck serving as the sideline reporter.
This fusion of sports and animation builds on ESPN and the NBA’s legacy of innovative broadcasts, including the Marvel-inspired “Arena of Heroes” game in 2021. By taking the NBA to a virtual Disney setting, this collaboration highlights both companies’ commitment to creating family-friendly, cutting-edge entertainment.
It’s a bit odd. Will this set a precedent for more animated sports content?
What do you think?
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Source: Walt Disney Company
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