New York City is one of the great basketball cities in the United States. With a long and storied history of producing NBA stars, hosting legendary teams like the New York Knicks, and a passionate fanbase, the question “Can you watch basketball in New York?” might seem silly – of course you can! However, there’s more to enjoying the game in the Big Apple than simply having a team to root for. From high school and college matchups to options for catching games in iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, there are plenty of ways to watch basketball in New York City.
Can you watch professional basketball in New York City?
Yes, you can watch professional basketball in New York City! The city is home to the New York Knicks, one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises. The Knicks play their home games at the famous Madison Square Garden arena. Watching a Knicks game at MSG is a bucket list item for many basketball fans thanks to the arena’s electric atmosphere. Beyond the Knicks, fans in New York can also catch Brooklyn Nets games at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The cross-town rivalry between the Knicks and Nets makes for exciting matchups throughout the NBA season. Between these two franchises, NYC offers plenty of chances to watch the best pro players in the world up close.
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, more commonly known as the Knicks, are one of the NBA’s original franchises and have played in New York City since 1946. Over their storied history, Knicks squads featuring all-time greats like Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Patrick Ewing, and Carmelo Anthony have delighted fans at Madison Square Garden with a fast-paced, explosive style of play. While the Knicks have struggled to recapture their championship glory from the 60s and 70s, hope springs eternal for New York basketball devotees. Watching a packed MSG crowd urge the Knicks towards victory during a playoff race is an electric experience every basketball fan should have.
Brooklyn Nets
After moving from New Jersey in 2012, the Brooklyn Nets have established themselves as a force in both the NBA and New York City basketball. Playing in the state-of-the-art Barclays Center, the Nets have featured superstars like Jason Kidd and current players Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. With a more modern arena and facilities, the Nets offer a different experience from the old-school Knicks at MSG. Both fanbases’ passion for basketball leads to intense matchups when the two franchises meet. Catching one of these games gives you the best of NYC’s NBA energy.
Can you watch college basketball in New York City?
Along with the pros, college basketball has a special place in New Yorkers’ hearts. The city’s colleges boast rich basketball traditions and impassioned fan support. Fans can watch major conference powerhouses like St. John’s take on national title contenders or support the passionate D-3 programs competing with equal fervor.
St. John’s Red Storm
Playing in the Big East Conference, the St. John’s Red Storm is New York’s premier college basketball program. The Red Storm plays most of its home games at Madison Square Garden, giving fans a chance to watch NCAA games in the World’s Most Famous Arena. With a history of stars like Chris Mullin and Malik Sealy and dozens of NCAA tournament appearances, St. John’s has experienced success at the highest levels of college hoops. Catching a packed house at MSG cheering the Red Storm to an upset win over a rival is an experience every NYC basketball fan should seek out.
Columbia Lions, NYU Violets, and more
In addition to St. John’s, a number of other colleges call New York City home. While they play in lower-profile conferences and venues, schools like Columbia, NYU, Fordham, and others boast passionate student sections that create an intimate, high-energy atmosphere at their home games. For college basketball fans, checking out these schools’ rivalries and traditions can be just as rewarding as watching the major conference powerhouses. Whatever their size, NYC’s college teams reflect their city’s passion for the game.
What other basketball options exist in New York City?
Beyond the Knicks, Nets, and college teams, there are numerous other ways to experience New York City basketball:
High School Basketball
New York high schools produce plenty of future NBA and college stars. Legendary NYC institutions like Christ the King, Bishop Loughlin, and Abraham Lincoln High have rich traditions. Watching the next generation of standouts begin their careers in high school gyms can be great fun for a true basketball junkie. The annual intersectional matchups between New York’s powerhouses are must-see events.
Harlem Globetrotters
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters exhibition team delights audiences in New York on a regular basis. Bringing their signature blend of hoops artistry and madcap entertainment to venues throughout the city, the Globetrotters are perfect for families and kids. Seeing incredible ball handling and dunks on display makes for an unforgettable time.
Streetball
For a more informal basketball experience, head out to the legendary streetball courts of NYC. Historic sites like Rucker Park, the West 4th Street Courts, and “The Cage” on West 4th have hosted endless pickup games and tournaments, featuring countless skilled amateurs and street legends. The free-flowing style of play is mesmerizing to watch.
NBA Store and Hall of Fame
To immerse yourself in basketball history, check out the NBA Store and Hall of Fame at 5th Avenue and 45th Street. With massive screens broadcasting games, one-of-a-kind memorabilia exhibits, merch, and more, it’s a must-visit for any basketball junkie in the city.
What teams and venues can you watch basketball at in New York City?
Team | League | Arena |
---|---|---|
New York Knicks | NBA | Madison Square Garden |
Brooklyn Nets | NBA | Barclays Center |
St. John’s Red Storm | NCAA Division I | Madison Square Garden |
Columbia Lions | NCAA Division I Ivy League | Levien Gymnasium |
NYU Violets | NCAA Division III | Palladium Gymnasium |
Fordham Rams | NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 | Rose Hill Gymnasium |
Harlem Globetrotters | Exhibition | Various venues |
In summary, basketball fans visiting New York City will find no shortage of options to watch the sport live, from NBA games at Madison Square Garden to college rivalries and streetball. With multiple pro and college teams, iconic venues, and a rich basketball culture, NYC provides a basketball experience like no other. Whether you’re diehard or casual, a game in the city is a must on any basketball fan’s list.
Best times of year to catch basketball in NYC
The NBA and NCAA seasons run from late October through June, so the best times to catch basketball in New York fall within that window:
- October-December – Start of NBA and college seasons
- January-February – Build up to NBA All-Star Game and March Madness
- March-April – NCAA March Madness and NBA playoff races
- May-June – NBA playoffs and championship series
In general, aim to watch basketball in NYC during the fall and winter months and you’ll have plenty of live game options.
Best ways for visitors to get tickets
For visitors looking to get into games, here are some of the easiest ways to secure tickets:
- Purchase online via team/venue websites – Secure digital tickets in advance
- Stay at team hotels – Packages may include tickets
- Check secondary marketplaces – Stubhub, SeatGeek, etc. for resales
- Day-of via box office – Less choice but may find deals
- Scalpers outside venue – Exercise caution but can get last minute entry
Plan ahead and be flexible on seats for the best experience. Prices fluctuate based on team performance, date, and opponent.
What is the basketball fan culture like in New York City?
New Yorkers love their basketball teams passionately. Despite the Knicks’ and St. John’s extended title droughts, fans remain fiercely loyal and regularly sell out their home arenas with hopes of finally capturing glory. On big game nights, you’ll see people sporting team colors all over the city. Expect loud cheers and groans from sports bars as fans react to big shots and momentum swings. Arguments between knowledgeable locals over players and coaches are also commonplace.
Visiting fans should be prepared for some good-natured ribbing if cheering against New York’s home squads – it’s all part of the experience. But the city’s shared love of the game tends to bring people together in the end. Watching a great basketball game in a packed Madison Square Garden or other iconic venue is something no fan will soon forget. The nonstop energy and passion is part of what makes New York City such an amazing place to watch basketball.
Notable Fan Traditions
Knicks fans at MSG have carried on several long-running traditions and signs of fan solidarity:
- “Knickerbocker” chant to salute team’s heritage
- Waving giant Knicks heads on sticks for home game intros
- Chanting “De-fense” to rally team on crucial possessions
- Wearing orange and blue jerseys of past players like Ewing, Reed, Frazier
St. John’s fans also have signature MSG traditions:
- Chanting player names during starting intros (“Mull-in…, Mal-i-ki…, Mark Jack-son!”)
- Holding up giant foam fingers reading “We’re #1” after big plays
- Swaying and bouncing in unison during team warmups
Seeing thousands of passionate New Yorkers participating in these traditions is an experience every basketball junkie should have.
Conclusion
New York City offers virtually unlimited chances to watch great basketball live, from NBA to college and beyond. With multiple long-tenured franchises playing in historic arenas, top-flight college programs, heated high school rivalries, streetball, and more, hoops are woven into the fabric of NYC. Visitors aiming to experience it all should look to visit during the NBA and NCAA seasons and be prepared to cheer loudly alongside incredibly passionate fanbases. Whether you’re watching the Knicks battle the Celtics, St. John’s take on Georgetown, or just shooting around at the West 4th Street Courts, enjoying basketball in New York City should be on every fan’s bucket list.