Biggest Sports Events in America This Weekend

Sports fans in the USA, get ready for an action-packed pre-Christmas weekend! From December 19-21, 2025, the spotlight shines on the opening round of the College Football Playoff (CFP) first-round games, a full slate of NFL Week 16 matchups with playoff implications, packed NBA and NHL schedules, and a blockbuster boxing event in Miami. Whether you’re tuning in from home or heading to a stadium, this weekend delivers high-stakes drama across multiple leagues.

With the holiday season approaching, these events offer perfect opportunities for family viewing parties or last-minute tickets. Here’s your complete guide to the top sports action in the US this weekend.

College Football Playoff First-Round Games: The Road to the National Championship Begins

The expanded 12-team CFP kicks off its first-round games this weekend, with higher-seeded teams hosting on campus sites. These matchups feature intense rivalries and potential upsets as teams battle for quarterfinal spots.

Key CFP Games This Weekend:

• Friday, December 19, 2025:
  • No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Oklahoma – 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN) – A classic SEC-Big 12 clash with massive implications.
• Saturday, December 20, 2025:
  • No. 10 Miami at No. 7 Texas A&M – Noon ET (ESPN)
  • No. 11 Tulane at No. 6 Ole Miss – 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
  • No. 12 James Madison at No. 5 Oregon – 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Additional bowl games and tournaments like the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational (college basketball) in El Paso, TX (December 21-22), add to the college slate.

Why watch? These games set the tone for the CFP, with winners advancing to New Year’s Six quarterfinals. Expect sold-out campuses and electric atmospheres!

NFL Week 16: Playoff Pictures Taking Shape

Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season features crucial games as teams fight for postseason berths. With Saturday doubleheaders and a full Sunday slate, football dominates the weekend.

Highlighted NFL Matchups:

• Thursday, December 18 (Kickoff to the Weekend): Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks – Prime Video
• Saturday, December 20:
  • Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders – 5:00 p.m. ET (FOX)
  • Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears – 8:20 p.m. ET (FOX)
• Sunday, December 21: Full slate including Eagles-Commanders rematch vibes, Packers-Bears rivalry, and more high-stakes games like Chiefs-Titans, Bengals-Dolphins, etc.
• Monday, December 22: San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts – ESPN

Key storylines: Division races heating up, potential playoff clinchers, and rivalries renewed. Check local listings for times and channels (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN).

NBA Action: Full Schedule Across the League

The NBA continues its regular season grind with games every day this weekend. While no specific marquee matchups are highlighted for these exact dates, expect a packed slate on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.

Notable: Look for games involving top contenders like potential Knicks, Spurs (post-Cup), or rising teams. Streams available on NBA League Pass, ESPN, and local networks.

The league is in mid-season form, with stars shining ahead of the Christmas Day showcase.

NHL Games: Puck Drops Nationwide

The NHL season is in full swing, with multiple games scheduled throughout the weekend.

Typical slate:

• Friday, December 19: Several evening games
• Saturday, December 20: Matinee and prime-time matchups
• Sunday, December 21: Afternoon and evening games

Key potential highlights: Rivalries and contender clashes. Check NHL.com or ESPN+ for exact matchups, as schedules include cross-country games.

Hockey fans can catch action on ESPN, TNT, or local broadcasts.

Boxing: Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Heavyweight Clash

One of the biggest non-team sports events: Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua – December 19, 2025, at Kaseya Center in Miami, FL.

This highly anticipated heavyweight bout pits YouTube star-turned-boxer Paul against former champion Joshua. Expect massive hype, celebrity sightings, and potential for fireworks in the ring.

Broadcast: Likely PPV on platforms like DAZN or ESPN+.

Other Notable Events

• Youth Soccer: MLS NEXT Fest continues in Arizona (through mid-December), featuring top youth talent – great for scouts and families.
• College Basketball Tournaments: Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational tips off December 21-22 in El Paso.
• Minor League/Regional: SPHL hockey (e.g., Fayetteville Marksmen games) and junior figure skating events.

How to Watch & Where to Go

• TV/Streaming: ESPN family for CFP, NFL on FOX/CBS/NBC/ESPN/Prime, NBA on ESPN/TNT/League Pass, NHL on ESPN+/TNT, Boxing on PPV.
• Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster, StubHub, or team sites – many games still have seats!
• Weather Note: Outdoor events like CFP campus games could see winter conditions – bundle up!

This December 19-21 weekend blends college playoff excitement, pro football intensity, hoops, hockey, and a mega boxing card – pure American sports magic before the holidays.