The New York Knicks remain the most expensive team to watch in the NBA for the 12th straight season. But here’s some good news: James Dolan does not have a plan to hike ticket prices.
During an earnings call Thursday, the Knicks made the announcement, per the New York Post.
But it doesn’t mean the rich will not get richer.
The NBA’s most valuable franchise will be adding 26 premium seats — two in the front row and 24 in the second row — that would rake in up to $3,000 per ticket.
“New York Knicks courtside seats are located right next to the scorer’s table and an arms-length away from the players on the floor. The best Knicks courtside seats are described as Scorer’s Table Seats and fill out the sideline on either side of the scorer’s table.”
Knicksseatingchart.com
Last season, a Knicks game costs an average of $936.72 for a family of four, an FCI increase of 4.2 percent from the 2020-21 season, according to Team Marketing Report’s annual NBA Fan Cost Index research.
Despite not making the playoffs, the Knicks had the most expensive ticket in the league, with a single general ticket costing $186.3. But it did not stop them from filling the Madison Square Garden, averaging 18,621 fans every home game, ranked eighth in the league, per ESPN’s NBA attendance tracking.
If team president Leon Rose successfully trades for three-time All-Star and Westchester native Donovan Mitchell, their impressive gate attendance will likely go through The Mecca’s roof.
But even without Mitchell, the Knicks have reshaped their roster in their bid to return to the playoffs.
Last season’s breakout star Jalen Brunson is expected to stabilize their backcourt, the Knicks’ Achilles heel for the longest time. They have also solidified their center rotation by adding floor-spacing and rim-protecting big man Isaiah Hartenstein to back up newly-extended Mitchell Robinson.
After a frustrating season, Julius Randle aims to bounce back.
Then their young guys — RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin and Quentin Grimes — are expected to continue their growth as the Knicks are looking to improve on their 37-45 record last season.
But playoffs or no playoffs, the Knicks fans have been the most passionate and one of the most loyal fan bases around the league. So expect them to shell out their hard-earned money just to bask in the glow of the Garden crowd every time the Knicks play, no matter the cost.
Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo