Yes, you can buy tickets to watch NBA Summer League games. The NBA Summer League is an annual showcase of young NBA talent and draft picks playing in exhibition games. It takes place every July in Las Vegas and is a great way for basketball fans to get an early look at the league’s rising stars.
When and where is NBA Summer League played?
The NBA Summer League takes place each July in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is held at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion, which are located on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
The first NBA Summer League was held in 2004 at the Reebok Pro Summer League in Boston. After a few years, it was relocated to Orlando, Florida before finding a permanent home in Las Vegas in 2007. Las Vegas was chosen because it provides a central location, quality facilities, and a large market of basketball fans visiting the city.
The league features all 30 NBA teams as well as the national teams from China and Croatia. Each team plays around 5 games over a 10-day period. The tournament starts in early July and runs through mid-July, with the championship game marking the end of the competition.
Who plays in the NBA Summer League?
The NBA Summer League primarily features three types of players:
- Rookies – Players drafted in the most recent NBA draft get their first taste of NBA-level competition at Summer League. For top draft picks, it’s a chance to get acclimated before starting their rookie season. Lower draft picks use it as an opportunity to prove themselves against elite talent.
- Young veterans – Some players with 1-3 years of NBA experience will play in Summer League to continue developing their skills. An injury might have kept them off the court the previous season, so it’s a chance to get back into game shape.
- Free agents – Undrafted players and NBA free agents participate in Summer League to showcase their talents in front of team executives, coaches, and scouts. Strong performances could earn them a training camp invitation or two-way contract.
The rosters are mainly filled out by these types of up-and-coming players. Established NBA superstars and veterans do not usually play in the Summer League, although there are occasional exceptions. For instance, in 2019, 10-time All-Star John Wall played a few games in the Summer League as he returned from an Achilles injury.
When do tickets go on sale for NBA Summer League?
Tickets for the NBA Summer League usually go on sale in late May or early June each year. The league announces the ticket sales opening once the schedule and participating teams are finalized. Pre-sales may happen a few days early for select groups like MVP season ticket holders or people signed up for special Summer League promotional emails.
The best way to stay on top of NBA Summer League ticket news is to sign up on the official NBA Summer League website. Fans can enter their email address to get notified as soon as tickets officially go on sale to the general public. The website also lists updated 2023 ticket information as it becomes available.
Another option is to follow NBA social media accounts, like the NBA Summer League Facebook and Twitter pages. Important ticket sale announcements are always posted on the league’s official accounts across social media.
Where can you buy NBA Summer League tickets?
There are a few different options to purchase NBA Summer League tickets once sales open to the public:
- Online via NBAEvents.com – The NBA’s official ticket site will have passes available for all games played at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas.
- Team websites – Some NBA team sites, like Lakers.com or Celtics.com, will have ticket allotments for fans specifically wanting to see those teams play.
- Secondary ticket marketplaces – Sites like StubHub, VividSeats or SeatGeek will re-sell passes often at marked up prices.
- Ticketmaster – The large ticket marketplace will also have some NBA Summer League seats available.
Going through the official NBA ticket site is typically the best option to avoid exorbitant additional fees. There are also unique experiences like lower-level seats that are exclusively sold through NBAEvents.com. Buying directly from a team website ensures you will see that specific team play, although their individual game schedule won’t be finalized until after tickets go on sale.
How much do NBA Summer League tickets cost?
NBA Summer League ticket prices can vary depending on the type of seat and demand for certain matchups. In general, prices fall into these ranges:
Seat Type | Avg. Price Range* |
---|---|
Upper Level Seats | $15 – $50 |
Lower Level Seats | $50 – $150 |
Courtside Seats | $250+ |
*Based on 2022 NBA Summer League ticket sales
Games featuring highly-drafted rookies like Zion Williamson or Cade Cunningham can sell out quickly and draw more demand. Prices for marquee matchups will skew towards the higher end of the ranges. Upper-level seats typically start around $15-25 for early round games between non-playoff teams from the previous season.
Additional fees from the ticket site and shipping costs can add $10-25 on top of base ticket prices. Purchasing well in advance helps avoid issues with limited quantity leading to rapid sellouts. Signing up for pre-sale opportunities also assists in securing tickets before the most in-demand games get bought up.
What are the best places to sit at NBA Summer League?
Some top places to sit at NBA Summer League include:
Lower Level Sideline
The lower level sideline seats at midcourt put you right next to the team benches. Watch players check in and out of the game up close from sections 105-118 at Thomas & Mack Center. You’ll have an upfront view of the on-court action too.
VIP Courtside
The courtside sections 1-6 at Thomas & Mack Center provide an immersive experience with the front row putting you just feet from the players. Enjoy exclusive amenities like in-seat service and a VIP entrance. Sideline views of dunks and big plays make for an unforgettable experience.
Upper Level Center Court
The upper deck rows at midcourt in sections 211-212 and 221-224 are elevated above the action with a broad view of the whole court. Affordable prices make these sections a popular choice.
Team Benches
Sitting behind the team benches in sections 107 or 115 at Thomas & Mack Center gives you a player’s eye view of substitutions, coach interactions, and huddles during timeouts. It’s like being a part of the bench squad.
Are there family friendly sections at NBA Summer League?
Yes, NBA Summer League offers special family-friendly seating sections perfect for parents bringing their kids to the games. The upper level corner end zone sections in 210 + 220 at the Thomas & Mack Center are designated as family-friendly areas.
Benefits include:
- More kid-sized seats available
- Family restrooms nearby
- Less crowding in aisles from fans moving around
- Special activities for kids during breaks
There is a 4 ticket limit per order for family section purchases. Kids under age 2 can sit in a parent’s lap without needing a separate ticket. Families have to enter via the designated family section entrance at the top of sections 210 + 220.
The low-stress environment in the family sections makes NBA Summer League a fun experience for parents and basketball-loving kids alike!
Can you get autographs at NBA Summer League?
Player autographs are highly coveted at NBA Summer League by fans looking to score signatures from the league’s rising stars and newest draft picks. Here are some tips for getting autographs:
- Arrive early – Players are more likely to sign autographs when first arriving at the arena before games.
- Hang out by the tunnels – Position yourself near the tunnels where players enter/exit the court from the locker rooms.
- Say “Congrats” or “Good luck” – Brief polite comments are better than demanding autographs.
- Bring your own marker – Carrying a silver or black sharpie marker makes it easy for players to sign.
- Be patient – Not every player will stop, so be courteous if they need to rush by.
Graphic tees, jerseys, basketballs and posters tend to be popular autograph items. Younger fans often have good success getting players to sign. Also try spots like the Cox Pavilion lobby where foot traffic is high after games. With some dedication, you can likely come away with a prized player autograph to add to your NBA collection!
What are the best NBA Summer League games to attend?
The must-see NBA Summer League games often feature these marquee matchups:
#1 picks vs #2 picks
When the last two top draft picks face off, it’s always a hot ticket. Watch 2021 picks Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green or 2019 picks Zion Williamson and Ja Morant square off as rookie rivals.
Rookie debuts
Seeing #1 overall picks play in their first NBA game is historic. Catch players like Paolo Banchero and Cade Cunningham in their inaugural NBA moments.
Big market teams
Games featuring major markets like the Lakers, Knicks and Warriors routinely draw crowds. Fans turn out in droves to see young Lakers like Talen Horton-Tucker.
Rivalries
Regional and cross-town rivals like Celtics vs. 76ers, Lakers vs. Clippers and Knicks vs. Nets bring out energized fans on both sides.
Of course, every NBA Summer League game gives you an up close look at future NBA stars. But these marquee matchups normally provide that extra jolt of excitement and a packed, playoff-like atmosphere inside the arena.
Are food and drinks available for purchase at NBA Summer League?
Yes, NBA Summer League offers a full range of food and beverage options for fans to purchase during games:
Food
- Burgers, hot dogs, nachos
- Chicken tenders, fries
- Popcorn, peanuts
- Pizza, ice cream
- Cotton candy, pretzels
Drinks
- Soft drinks – Coke, Sprite, Powerade
- Bottled water
- Beer – Budweiser, Heineken, Corona
- Wine
Concession stands are located on the concourse at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion. Auditoriums open 60 minutes prior to tip-off so fans have time to grab food and drinks before games start.
NBA Summer League offers mobile ordering through the official app. Fans can order food and scan a QR code to pick it up without waiting in long concession lines, making the arena experience more convenient.
Are there special experiences and seating options besides general admission tickets?
The NBA offers several types of unique ticket packages and experiences beyond basic general admission seats to Summer League games:
VIP Courtside Seats
- Tickets in the first few rows with server access
- Premium amenities like lounge access
- Commemorative VIP lanyard + credential
- Exclusive entrance and check-in
VIP Meet & Greet Add-Ons
- Meet NBA legends like Bill Walton orChauncey Billups
- Attend signed memorabilia signing events
- Attend post-game press conference access
Fan Experience Add-Ons
- NBA Summer League logo basketball
- Professional photo on court after games
- Autographed memorabilia items
- Behind-the-scenes arena tours
These special packages allow fans to customize their NBA Summer League experience. On-court photos shoots, backstage tours, VIP amenities, and meet-and-greet opportunities provide once-in-a-lifetime memories with the stars of today and tomorrow.
Conclusion
The NBA Summer League provides a thrilling up close look at the future stars of the NBA. Fans can buy tickets to attend these exciting exhibition games in Las Vegas each July. Tickets can be purchased through the NBA’s official ticket site or team websites once sales open to the public in late May or early June.
A range of affordable ticket options makes Summer League accessible to all types of NBA fans. Marquee matchups between highly drafted rookies, big market teams, and rivals create a high-energy atmosphere. Attendees can also enjoy amenities like concession stands, special seating sections, and unique NBA experiences and events.
With a chance to see tomorrow’s superstars today, NBA Summer League is a basketball lover’s paradise.