In the realm of professional basketball, the NBA offers an exciting array of experiences for fans. While the action on the court is undoubtedly the main attraction, the cost of attending games can vary significantly across teams and cities.
According to data provided by Ticket Smarter Inc, based in Overland Park, KS, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, have secured the title for the team with the highest resale value for their 2023-24 NBA season tickets.
On the resale market, an average Lakers season ticket commands a hefty $609. This figure places the Lakers at the top of the list, with their tickets boasting a 25 percent higher value than those of their Western Conference rivals, the Golden State Warriors ($457). They also carry a 46 percent higher price tag than the Boston Celtics’ tickets, which average at $324.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Indiana Pacers have the lowest ticket resale value at just $156, closely followed by the Detroit Pistons at $157 and the Houston Rockets at $159.
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Notably, the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, secure the eighth spot on the list with an average ticket price of $257.
This data underscores the remarkable variation in the resale values of NBA season tickets, offering fans a wide range of options based on their preferences and budgets.
“[We] do traditionally see higher prices in larger markets like LA, New York and Boston where both the population and the cost of living are higher,” Jeff Goodman, CEO of TicketSmarter Inc, told the American Bazaar in an email. “A team’s success will help as well, but even with Denver winning and retaining most of their roster, they are well below the bigger markets.”
TicketSmarter Inc. is an online ticket resale platform that facilitates the buying and selling of tickets for various events, such as concerts, sports games, theater shows, and other live entertainment experiences.
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Here’s a breakdown of average season ticket prices on the resale market for every NBA team, according to TicketSmarter Inc.
| Team | Average season ticket prices |
| Los Angeles Lakers | $609 |
| Golden State Warriors | $457 |
| Boston Celtics | $324 |
| New York Knicks | $316 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | $311 |
| Phoenix Suns | $294 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | $260 |
| Denver Nuggets | $257 |
| Chicago Bulls | $244 |
| Miami Heat | $244 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | $243 |
| San Antonio Spurs | $242 |
| Dallas Mavericks | $240 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | $237 |
| Toronto Raptors | $233 |
| Brooklyn Nets | $221 |
| Sacramento Kings | $209 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | $200 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | $198 |
| Atlanta Hawks | $195 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | $188 |
| Washington Wizards | $183 |
| Orlando Magic | $181 |
| Charlotte Hornets | $174 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | $173 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | $170 |
| Utah Jazz | $163 |
| Houston Rockets | $159 |
| Detroit Pistons | $157 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | $609 |
| Golden State Warriors | $457 |
| Boston Celtics | $324 |
Top-tier teams:
The Los Angeles Lakers reign supreme in terms of average season ticket prices, with fans paying an average of $609 for the privilege of watching LeBron James and company in action. The Golden State Warriors come in a close second, with an average resale price of $457, reflecting the team’s dominance in recent years. These high prices could partly be attributed to the high demand for games featuring star-studded lineups.
Historical powerhouses:
Franchises with a rich history also command a premium for their tickets. The Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks, two of the league’s most storied teams, have average ticket prices of $324 and $316, respectively. The allure of witnessing games at the TD Garden or Madison Square Garden adds to the appeal.
Middle of the pack:
Teams like the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, and Milwaukee Bucks offer a more affordable option for fans. Resale prices for these teams range from $294 to $260. Smaller market sizes and perhaps less star power on the rosters contribute to these more moderate ticket prices.
Affordable options:
On the lower end of the spectrum, franchises such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets have some of the most wallet-friendly average season ticket prices, ranging from $159 to $170. These prices are accessible to a broader range of fans, making attending games a more affordable option.
Market size and opponent quality:
It’s essential to note that several factors can influence ticket prices. Market size and the quality of opponents can have a significant impact. Teams in larger cities and with more successful records are likely to command higher ticket prices. High-demand matchups against rivals or superstar players can also drive up ticket costs.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan willing to splurge for courtside seats or a budget-conscious supporter looking to catch the action, there’s an NBA team and ticket price to match your preferences. The diversity of ticket prices across the league ensures that there’s something for everyone in the exciting world of professional basketball.