The Most Expensive NBA Tickets, Ranked

Highlights

• Basketball is the second most-watched sport in the US, with an average of 1.59 million viewers tuning in for NBA regular season games in 2023.
• NBA tickets can be expensive, with average prices ranging from $252 to $611 depending on the team. The LA Lakers have the highest average ticket price at $518.
• Attending an NBA game is not just about watching basketball. It's about immersing yourself in the electric atmosphere, experiencing top-tier entertainment, and being part of a passionate fan base.

Basketball is widely considered the most-played sport in the US, with the National Basketball Association (NBA) at the center of it all; the game has continued to attain new heights in North America and worldwide.

Basketball is the second most-watched sport in the country, second only to football. An average of 1.59 million viewers tuned in to watch NBA regular season games across ABC, ESPN, and TNT in 2023 alone.

However, as a fan of the NBA, you have likely to have dreamed of witnessing an NBA game from the best seats in the house. Games during the regular season attract an average of 18,000 fans.

These seats cost $250 on average, and they say a lot about the game's growing popularity. Ticket prices on game days contribute to the team's revenue, which can help the team rebuild and acquire better players for the rooster.

Organizations like the LA Lakers and New York Knicks charge a fortune for tickets, underlining their appeal and entertainment value.

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10 Milwaukee Bucks

With top-tier players like Damian Lillard and two-time MVP Giannis Antentokumpo on their roster, the Bucks are always sure to put on a thrilling show that leaves their fans on the edge of their seats every game day at the Fiserv Forum arena.

The electric atmosphere in the Fiserv Forum is worth every penny; the 17,000-seater arena is rarely empty on game days. With their championship triumph in 2021, the Bucks fan base grew exponentially, and support for their Greek talisman Antentokumpo resonated not only in Europe, his home continent, but across the globe.

The Milwaukee Bucks consistent success and passionate fan base make their tickets a hot commodity.

9 LA Clippers

Average attendance of over 17,000 spectators at their Crypto.com Arena is a remarkable turnout, and a testament to the unwavering loyalty of the Los Angeles Clippers fan base in the NBA.

On average, the ticket price for a seat in the Arena is $262 – but that amount can change depending on the opposing team, seat location, and time during the season. Upper deck seats cost $260, but the price can go up to $1000 or more for courtside seats.

Drinks at LA Clippers' games cost a premium, too; a beer at Crypto.com Arena is usually priced at $15, while soda costs around $7. Food prices are also high, with hotdogs and pizza at $10 and $12, respectively.

Attending a Clippers game can be an expensive experience, but fans are sure to get quality entertainment in return.

8 Philadelphia 76ers

Although the Philadelphia 76ers have not been without off-court drama with respect to their management recently, that has not stopped the organization from consistently turning in profit in revenue since 2019.

With Most Valuable Player (MVP) and 2023/2023 season-scoring leader Joel Embiid on their roster, fans know they will get their money's worth every time they swipe their cards for a ticket at the Wells Fargo Center. Tickets at Wells Fargo Arena are priced at $264 during the regular season, but the price can change depending on seat location, with low-bowl seats costing more than the average.

Refreshments at the Arena, like Yuengling beer, are also available. Additionally, 76ers games offer various forms of entertainment, like live performances and interactive games.

7 Phoenix Suns

With the triple threat of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, it is a joy to watch the Suns every time they step out to the court. In 2023, the regular season home attendance of the franchise was 682,840, an average of 17,071 per game.

The Suns have built up quite a loyal fan base over the years; their fans are passionate about the team's success and willing to pay top dollar to see their team in action. The average ticket price in the regular season at the Footprint Center is $285.

The Phoenix Suns have the most expensive beer in the NBA. A 16-ounce domestic beer costs $9, while a 16-ounce imported beer costs $9.50.

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6 Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls United Center is like the Mecca of the NBA; the arena has hosted many iconic moments in the history of the game. The Bulls current roster, led by Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, provides top-tier entertainment and tries to replicate the exploits of a certain Michael Jordan.

Tickets for Chicago Bulls games can be as low as $41 for upper-level seats at the United Center, but the average ticket price is $276. Refreshment prices are high, but not different from other NBA arenas; expect to pay around $10 for sandwiches, $9 to $11 for beers, and up to $18 for premium food items.

5 Brooklyn Nets

Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the state-of-the-art Barclays Center is a sanctuary for Brooklyn Nets fans (Jay-Z among them).

With a capacity of 17,732 for basketball, Barclays Center was designed to emphasize the fan experience with the best sight lines in basketball. Ticket prices at Barclays Center vary depending on seat location, but they can range from $50 for upper deck seats, to over $1,000 for courtside seats.

The average price for the tickets hovers around $283. Various beers and other alcoholic beverages, including those featuring premium liquor, can be found around the concourse, with prices generally around $14 to $15.

4 Boston Celtics: $303

The Boston Celtics are one of the most successful franchises in the NBA; they are tied with the LA Lakers for the most championships at 17.

The Celtics' market size, rich history, and fan culture are undeniable, even among rival fans; it is no secret that Boston has some incredibly dedicated fans who bleed green. The TD Garden's capacity of over 19,000 is always flowing with Celtics green attire, be it at a preseason game or a playoff final.

The average ticket price at a Boston Celtic game is $303. While that price may seem steep for a night out at the Garden, true fans know it is worth it for a chance to witness firsthand why the Celtics have become synonymous with success.

3 New York Knicks: $346

While the Chicago Bulls' United Center is the Mecca of the NBA, Madison Square Garden a the haven of entertainment that has hosted several historical events.

The City of New York is undoubtedly the biggest market in the NBA, and this has contributed to the commercial success of the franchise. The average ticket price for a Knicks game is $346.

Refreshments at the MSG are pretty expensive, too: $13 for a beer, $9 for a hotdog, and $38 on average for parking. Attending a New York Knicks game is more than just watching basketball; it's about immersing yourself in a culture that reveres its team like no other city does.

2 LA Lakers: $518

When it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers, it's all about star power; from Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, top talent has always been drawn to Los Angeles.

Now, with LeBron James leading the charge alongside Anthony Davis, the Lakers fans know they are in for an exciting experience whenever they swipe their cards to watch a game at the Crypto.com Arena. Attending a Lakers game is a unique experience that draws even A-list Hollywood stars like Jack Nicholson and Denzel Washington to prime courtside seats.

The Lakers have the second-highest average price at $518; unsurprising due to the bright lights of Hollywood (and the city's high cost of living). While $518 might seem like quite a splurge for an NBA ticket, it's a bargain considering the experience it offers.

1 Golden State Warriors: $611

Excitement is the only word that comes to mind when watching the Golden State Warriors dominate other teams on the court.

With two of the greatest 3-point shooters in the league currently among their ranks (Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson), and one of the most notorious defenders in the game (Draymond Green) fans are sure to encounter a masterclass every game day at the Chase Center. Their style of play, combined with impeccable teamwork, has made them a force to be reckoned with.

Moreover, their home venue, the Chase Center, offers state-of-the-art facilities and amenities that enhance the game-day experience. From deluxe seating options to world-class dining establishments within the arena premises, the ticket price of $611 is a shrewd bargain.

The sea of blue and gold jerseys swaying together as fans cheer on their beloved team creates a unique sense of camaraderie among attendees.

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