The National Basketball Association (NBA) is extremely popular worldwide, with millions of passionate fans. In recent years, the NBA has been expanding its global reach by playing more games outside of North America. One popular destination for NBA games has been Abu Dhabi, the capital and second-most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. With world-class facilities and a growing appetite for basketball, Abu Dhabi has hosted several high-profile NBA games. Fans are often curious about ticket prices when the NBA comes to town, so let’s take a closer look at the cost of attending an NBA game in Abu Dhabi.
NBA Global Games in Abu Dhabi
The NBA has been playing official regular season games in Abu Dhabi as part of its NBA Global Games initiative. The first NBA games took place in October 2018 when the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings faced off at the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Two preseason games were played in October 2022 featuring the Atlanta Hawks taking on the Milwaukee Bucks. The Hawks and Bucks will return to Abu Dhabi in January 2023 for two more regular season showdowns.
Playing NBA games in Abu Dhabi allows the league to continue growing its fanbase in strategic overseas markets. It also provides unique experiences for teams to help strengthen their global brands. For fans in the United Arab Emirates, seeing NBA action live is an unforgettable experience that few other nearby countries can offer.
Ticket Prices for 2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games
Tickets for the January 2023 games between the Hawks and Bucks in Abu Dhabi have been available in several pricing categories:
- Premium tickets – These tickets provide access to a premium hospitality lounge with gourmet cuisine, premium beverages, a gift, and the best seats in the house. Prices start around 2,000 AED ($545 USD).
- Lower bowl seats – For seats in the lower bowl near courtside, prices range from 500 AED ($136 USD) to 1,800 AED ($490 USD) depending on exact location.
- Upper bowl seats – The most affordable option is upper bowl seating farther away from the action. These tickets can cost between 75 AED ($20 USD) and 300 AED ($82 USD).
There are also special family packages available with 2 adult and 2 child tickets for 600 AED ($163 USD).
Overall the average price for a good lower bowl seat is approximately 1,000 AED ($272 USD). This puts Abu Dhabi in a similar price range to NBA tickets in other major European and Asian cities the league visits.
Comparing to NBA Ticket Prices in the United States
To put the Abu Dhabi ticket prices into perspective, it helps to compare them to what fans pay to attend games in the United States.
The average ticket price across the entire NBA during the 2021-22 season was $89 according to official league data. However, there is significant variation across different teams and cities.
The New York Knicks had the highest average ticket price at $124 while the Houston Rockets were lowest at just $51. Generally, large market teams like the Knicks, Warriors, and Lakers have much higher prices given their massive fanbases and demand.
For the Hawks and Bucks specifically, the average ticket price in 2021-22 was $68 and $67 respectively. Here is a table comparing NBA ticket prices:
Team | 2021-22 Avg Ticket Price |
---|---|
New York Knicks | $124 |
Golden State Warriors | $123 |
Los Angeles Lakers | $122 |
Miami Heat | $100 |
Boston Celtics | $95 |
Atlanta Hawks | $68 |
Milwaukee Bucks | $67 |
Houston Rockets | $51 |
Based on these numbers, attending one of the Abu Dhabi games is certainly a premium experience with most tickets costing substantially more than regular season prices in the United States. The major exception would be the cheap upper bowl seats that sell for around $20.
Of course, the Abu Dhabi games are unique events held just twice a year in a city thousands of miles away from Atlanta and Milwaukee. Higher prices make sense given the novelty factor, logistical challenges, and pent-up demand from fans in the region who have limited chances to see NBA action in person.
Other Factors Impacting NBA Ticket Prices
When examining the cost of attending NBA games either in the U.S. or Abu Dhabi, there are a few other important factors to keep in mind:
Day of the Week
Weekend games (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) are typically more expensive than weekday games. Fans have more scheduling flexibility on weekends making demand higher.
Opposing Team
When top teams like the Lakers or Warriors come to town, prices often spike compared to less popular visiting opponents. Marquee matchups also cost more.
Purchase Time
Buying tickets well in advance, especially during presales, generally provides the lowest prices. Last-minute purchases right before tip-off lead to the highest prices.
Seat Location
Lower bowl seats closest to the court are far pricier than the upper bowl corners and ends. Prices decrease dramatically the farther back you sit.
Secondary Market
Tickets purchased from resellers like Stubhub can either be below or above face value depending on demand. This allows for both deals and potential overpaying.
Season Tickets
Season ticket holders get the benefit of lower per-game prices given their large commitment for all home dates. But there is an upfront cost to purchase the season ticket package.
Conclusion
Seeing the best basketball players in the world compete live is an unforgettable experience that commands premium pricing both in the U.S. and hot overseas destinations like Abu Dhabi. While not cheap, tickets for the 2023 Hawks vs. Bucks NBA games offer basketball fans based in the United Arab Emirates an opportunity to witness world-class sporting entertainment right in their backyard. Costs are in line with other major international NBA events, but certainly exceed typical regular season prices back in Atlanta and Milwaukee. Whether sitting courtside or in the rafters, Abu Dhabi spectators will surely get their money’s worth enjoying a unique and exhilarating atmosphere.