Are you looking to purchase courtside seats in an NBA game but want to know what’s their price? We’ve got you.
We’ve been a fan of the NBA for a long time, and have helped thousands of people get the tickets they want. In fact, we are experts in this field. Plus, we had a chat with those who had bought the courtside seats before writing this article.
After all of this, we’re here with everything you should know.
In short:
Courtside seat prices in an NBA game can be pretty high. These prime seats range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. There’s no “exact” seat price.
But what decides the cost of NBA courtside seats?
Here, we are explaining this, along with some other critical information, like how you can get courtside seats. Let’s start!
Key Takeaways
- Courtside seats are expensive - can range from $500 to over $50,000.
- Lower-tier team games cost $500-$2,000, mid-tier $1,500-$5,000, and top-tier $2,000-$10,000+.
- The high cost of these seats is worth the price because they offer an incredible game experience.
- Prices are decided by team popularity, game significance, location, and timing.
- To secure discounts, buy early, use resale sites, join fan clubs, look for last-minute deals, and check social media for promotions.
Courtside Seat Prices in an NBA Game: Ultimate Guide
According to Statista, the revenue in basketball ticket sales is expected to be around $3 billion dollars in 2024. It’s a huge number. One reason the revenue is this high is the cost of courtside seats.
But wait.
After days of research, we can now say that there is no “exact” courtside seat price in an NBA game. There’s a big range ($500 to $50,000).
Let’s look at the details:
Regular Season
If it’s a regular season, then we’ve noted that the courtside seat cost is usually affordable. However, everything still depends on the teams.
Lower-Tier Teams
Courtside seats for lower-tier teams don't have as much demand. That’s why they are usually cheaper. You can snag a seat for anywhere between $500 and $2,000.
Another reason the cost is low is that these teams often play in smaller markets.
Examples of lower-tier teams are:
- Detroit Pistons
- Orlando Magic
- Charlotte Hornets
Mid-Tier Teams
If you're looking at mid-tier teams, expect to pay a bit more. These teams have a solid fan base and a decent level of popularity. Courtside seats for these games typically range from $1,500 to $5,000. It's a higher price, but you get to enjoy a more intense game atmosphere.
Mid-tier teams are:
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Indiana Pacers
- Denver Nuggets
Top-Tier Teams
If you want to watch top-tier teams, like the Lakers or Warriors, courtside seats can get quite pricey. We checked the prices, and they start from $2,000 and go all the way up to $10,000 (or more).
Take the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors (2022) game as an example. Our team members wanted to get courtside seat tickets and they were starting from $8,000 (per seat). However, we also attended a Detroit Pistons game and the courtside seat price was just $800.
Playoffs
When the regular season is over and the play-offs begin, the price of seats skyrockets.
Early Rounds
We asked about the courtside seat prices for the early rounds. To our surprise, the cost starts from $3,000 and goes up to $15,000. It's a big jump, but the playoff excitement is unmatched. The energy in the arena is electric, so the money will be worth spending.
Conference Finals
As the stakes get higher, so do the prices. You can get Courtside seats for the conference finals between $10,000 to $30,000. The competition is fiercer, and the games are more thrilling.
NBA Finals
The ticket prices for the NBA season finals are crazy. The Courtside seats can range from $20,000 to upwards of $50,000 per seat. According to Forbes, the average regular seat price was $4,100 for the NBA 2024 finals. Now, if you check the Statista stats, you can see that the average price of seats in the 2011 finals was just $900.
The difference is huge. But we think the high price of NBA courtside seats is justified.
In our opinion, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, if you have this much money, we suggest you buy the seat without any hesitation.
Wondering, how do courtside seats compare to regular seats? Let's break it down.
Comparing Prices: Regular Seats vs. Courtside Seats
Regular seats in an NBA game offer a great view. However, Courtside seats give you an experience that's hard to match. But, of course, this premium experience comes with a higher price tag.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a price comparison between regular seats and courtside seats:
|
Category |
Regular Seats |
Courtside Seats |
|
Price (Regular Season) |
$50 - $500 |
$500 - $10,000+ |
|
Price (Playoffs) |
$100 - $2,000 |
$3,000 - $50,000+ |
|
View |
Good to great |
Unmatched, right next to the action |
|
Experience |
Exciting |
Immersive, with interactions possible |
|
Amenities |
Standard |
VIP treatment, exclusive access |
|
Proximity to Players |
Distant |
Immediate, potentially interactive |
Are Courtside Seats Dangerous?
You might wonder, are courtside seats dangerous? The short answer is: not really, but there can be some risks. Sitting courtside means you're super close to the action. So, there's a small chance a player might crash into you.
But don’t worry, these incidents are pretty rare.
If you’re interested, check out this guide - What Size Shoe does Shaquille O'Neal Wear? This will help you know how big players like Shaq are.
Do Celebrities Pay for NBA courtside tickets?
Ever seen a celebrity sitting courtside and wondered if they paid for their ticket? Well, it depends. Some celebrities do pay for their courtside seats. They love basketball and want the best view (just like any other fan).
However, we also found that many celebrities get invited by the teams or sponsors. Teams know that having famous faces at their games gets more attention. It’s like free advertising!
Factors Influencing Courtside Seat Prices
Courtside seat prices depend on several factors, like:
- Team popularity
- Star players
- Game significance
- Location
- Time of the game.
Team Popularity and Performance
If you want to watch teams with big fan bases, then you will have to pay more. For example, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks, have higher courtside seat prices. These teams are always in the spotlight, and a lot of people want to watch them up close.
Since the demand is high, the price is also high.
Similarly, if a team has superstar players, ticket prices go up. Think about games with LeBron James, Stephen Curry, or Giannis Antetokounmpo. These players draw huge crowds because everyone wants to see the best in action.
Game Significance
Playoff games, especially the finals, are big matches. The stakes are higher, and so is the demand. Everyone wants to be there when the championship is on the line. The atmosphere is electric, and the competition is fierce.
That’s why the courtside seat prices in playoff games are a lot expensive.
Location and Market
Teams in big cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago charge more for courtside seats. This is because there are more people who want to see the games up close and can pay a lot of money. The bigger the city, the more people want the best seats.
In smaller arenas, there are fewer courtside seats, so they cost more. When there are not many seats, each one becomes special and more expensive. Smaller arenas give a close-up view, but since there are fewer seats, the prices go up.
Day and Time
Weekend games cost more than weekday games because more people are free to go. On weekends, families and friends have more time to watch the game together, which makes tickets more expensive.
Evening games are usually pricier than afternoon games. More people can go to evening games after work or school, so these games are in high demand. The exciting atmosphere of evening games makes fans willing to pay more.
Benefits of Sitting Courtside at an NBA Game
If you’re still confused whether courtside seats are worth it, then we are here to clear your hesitation. We’ve talked with those who attended NBA games on these seats and are now sharing what they had to say.
Unmatched Views
When you sit courtside, you’re right next to the action. People have told us that they could see every dribble, pass, and dunk up close. Most of them even felt like being part of the game.
Some of them even said they enjoyed the players' facial expressions. It's a whole different experience than watching from higher up. Everything feels more intense and real.
Exciting Player Interactions
Did you know courtside seats offer a chance to interact with the players? Yes, they do. You might get a high-five from a player after a great play. Some people even get an autograph during a timeout. It's a special moment that can make the game even more memorable
That’s not it.
You can hear what the players and coaches are saying. Those who have sat at courtside seats wrote that they loved:
- The calls from the bench.
- The trash talk on the court.
- Squeak of sneakers.
Exclusive Amenities
Sitting courtside comes with VIP treatment. You get access to exclusive lounges and special food and drink options. It’s a luxurious experience. Sometimes, you can even have wait staff service right at your seat. This VIP treatment makes the whole event feel special.
Furthermore, the seats are usually more comfortable. You can enjoy extra legroom and better padding. Plus, you’re right by the court, so no long walks to your seat.
Thrilling Atmosphere
The energy of the game is different when you’re courtside. You can feel the excitement and intensity of the players and the crowd. The cheers, boos, and chants are all around you. It’s an electric atmosphere that you can't get from watching at home.
So, it’s safe to say that sitting courtside creates memories that last a lifetime.
Now, you may be wondering how you can get courtside seats. We’ve got you.
How to Get Courtside Seats? Everything to Know
Getting courtside seats is not as hard as you might think. You will have to do a bit of planning. Plus, you will have to be a little smart.
Here’s how to get courtside seats:
Buy Directly from the Team
The first place to check is the official website of the team. Many teams sell courtside seats directly to fans. You’ll get the most reliable information and avoid scams.
It’s a straightforward way to see what’s available and at what price. Just head to the team’s site and look for the ticket section.
If you’re a super fan, you should consider buying season tickets. In our experience, season ticket holders often get courtside seats for big games. It’s a bigger investment, but you’ll have access to some of the best seats for the entire season.
Plus, you might get some extra perks like meet-and-greets with players.
Use Ticket Resale Websites
Sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, etc., are great for finding courtside tickets. These platforms let fans resell their tickets. However, the chances of getting scammed are higher here. Just make sure to buy from reputable sellers to avoid any issues.
Most resale sites let you set alerts for specific games or seats. This way, you’ll get notified when courtside seats become available. It’s a handy tool to stay on top of the market without constantly checking the sites.
Check Social Media and Forums
We also suggest following your favorite team on social media. Why? Well, teams often post about ticket sales and special promotions. Sometimes, they even hold contests or giveaways for courtside seats.
Moreover, you should join fan forums and online communities. Fans often share tips on where to find the best deals. Furthermore, you might even find someone selling their tickets at a reasonable price.
Consider Corporate Connections
Some companies have partnerships with NBA teams. These companies offer courtside seats to employees or clients. If you work for a big company, check if they have any connections. You might be able to get tickets through a corporate perk program.
We’ve also noted that networking can open doors as well. If you know someone who works for a company with season tickets, they might be able to get you the tickets.
So, ask around and see if anyone in your network has access to courtside seats.
Look for Last-Minute Deals
Sometimes the best deals come at the last minute. If you can, check ticket sites on the day of the game. Sellers who can't attend might drop their prices to avoid losing money. It’s a bit of a gamble, but you can get amazing seats this way.
Also, if you live near the arena, head there on game day. Some fans sell their extra tickets outside the venue. Just be cautious and make sure the tickets are legit.
Easy Tips for Scoring Discounts on Courtside Seats
You can easily score discounts on courtside seats. For this, try buying tickets early, checking secondary markets, and joining fan clubs for exclusive offers. We also recommend you use social media for promotions.
We’ve found that these strategies can help you find the best deals. Let’s see the details.
Buy Early
In our experience, buying tickets early can save some money. Teams usually release tickets in stages, and the first batches are often cheaper. As game day gets near, the demand increases.
Plus, by purchasing early, you can avoid the last-minute rush.
Join Fan Clubs and Newsletters
You should join a team’s fan club and subscribe to their newsletter. Why? Doing this can give you access to things, like:
- Exclusive discounts
- Pre-sale opportunities.
Note that teams offer special promotions to their most loyal fans. By staying informed through newsletters, you can be the first to know about any special offers. It’s a simple way to get ahead of the crowd and score a great deal on courtside seats.
Look for Last-Minute Deals
Sometimes, waiting until the last minute can pay off. Sellers who can’t attend the game may drop their prices significantly.
You can enjoy last minute deals by:
- Checking ticket resale sites
- Visiting the team’s official site on the day of the game.
However, let us warn you that this strategy can be risky. In most cases, you won’t get any deals. It’s just luck.
Student or Military Discounts
If you’re a student or a military personnel, then you’re in luck. Both NBA and teams offer special deals for you. You should avail them and have a great game experience.
Group Discounts
Are your friends or colleagues a fan of the NBA, too? If yes, then we suggest using this to your advantage. How? Sometimes, buying tickets in a group can get you a discount.
Use Social Media for Promotions
The last tip we have for you is to follow your favorite team on social media platforms like Twitter (X). Teams often post special promotions and flash sales that can include discounts on courtside seats.
By keeping an eye on their social media feeds, you can take advantage of these limited-time offers.
Furthermore, social media is also a great way to stay updated on any contests or giveaways.
Final Words
All-inclusive, courtside seat prices range from $500 to over $50,000. The reason there is no exact cost is that the prices vary based on team popularity, game importance, and market size.
However, you can enjoy discounts if you purchase the tickets early. Furthermore, use your networks and follow the teams on social media for any special deals.
Remember that the benefits of watching games at courtside are unmatchable. You will get a great view and a VIP treatment.
So, if you can, buy courtside seats!
