The NBA Summer League is an annual basketball exhibition event hosted by the National Basketball Association in July. It is a great opportunity for NBA fans to watch rising stars, newly drafted players, and free agents competing in a tournament-style format. If you want to attend the games and cheer on your favorite players and teams, here is everything you need to know about getting tickets to the NBA Summer League.
When and where is the NBA Summer League held?
The NBA Summer League is held every July, typically starting shortly after the NBA draft. The bulk of the games take place in Las Vegas, with a small portion of games also held in California. In 2022, the Las Vegas event will take place from July 7 through July 17. The California Classic Summer League will be held in Sacramento from July 2 through July 5.
Games are hosted across various venues in Las Vegas, including the Thomas & Mack Center, Cox Pavilion, and Michelob ULTRA Arena inside Mandalay Bay. In Sacramento, games are held at the Golden 1 Center, home of the Sacramento Kings.
How can I get tickets to NBA Summer League games?
Purchase tickets online
The easiest way to buy NBA Summer League tickets is to purchase them online through official ticket provider sites. For the Las Vegas Summer League, you can buy tickets through AXS.com. Tickets for the California Classic can be purchased via Kings.com/summer-league.
Online ticket prices typically range from around $20 to $50 per game depending on the matchup and seat location. Courtside and lower bowl seats tend to be more expensive. Buying online ahead of time guarantees you will have tickets in hand for the games you want to attend.
Buy tickets on site
You can also purchase NBA Summer League tickets by visiting the ticket offices at the venues in person. This allows you to buy tickets on the day of the games. However, tickets can sell out quickly, especially for popular matchups, so advance online purchase is recommended when possible.
The Thomas & Mack Center box office is open 10am to 6pm Monday through Sunday during the Las Vegas Summer League. The Sacramento ticket office at Golden 1 Center also sells tickets on site leading up to and during event days.
Use a ticket reseller
If games are sold out through the official ticket agents, you can turn to ticket reseller sites like VividSeats, StubHub, or SeatGeek to find available seats. Reseller prices are affected by supply and demand, so highly in-demand tickets may be marked up higher than face value.
Make sure to shop around different resale sites for the best deals. And whenever possible, purchase from trusted, reputable companies to ensure valid event tickets.
Tips for getting the best NBA Summer League tickets
Here are some useful tips to help you get the tickets you want to the NBA Summer League games:
Buy early
Purchasing tickets well in advance of the events is wise, as it gives you the most options for seating locations before games start selling out. This is especially important if you want tickets to the most popular team matchups.
Be flexible
Having some flexibility on which days and sessions you can attend makes it easier to find available tickets. The late night and weekend games tend to be most in-demand.
Compare ticket views
When buying online, check the interactive seat maps provided by the ticket agents. This gives you a preview of the view from different seat locations so you can find the optimal tickets.
Join fan clubs
Teams like the Lakers, Warriors, and Kings offer special pre-sales opportunities for fans who join their insider fan clubs. This gives early ticket access before the general public on-sale.
Find promo codes
Look online for any special promo codes and discounts that could save on Summer League tickets. Student and military discounts may also be available on certain ticket purchases.
Who plays in the NBA Summer League?
The NBA Summer League rosters feature a mix of players:
- Rookies – Newly drafted players competing for the first time in the NBA (or second year players who missed Summer League the prior year). This is the chance for top draft picks to debut their skills.
- Young veterans – Rising NBA stars with 1-3 years experience will often participate to continue improving their game.
- Free agents – Unsigned players trying to earn a roster spot by showcasing their talents in front of NBA teams.
- G League players – Athletes from the NBA’s official minor league auditioning for an NBA contract.
- International players – Overseas prospects from other professional leagues around the world.
Current stars and veteran players rarely participate. But otherwise, Summer League rosters provide a first look at future NBA contributors.
What is the tournament format for the NBA Summer League?
The NBA Summer League uses a tournament format with a championship game at the end. Here is a breakdown of the tournament structure:
Seeding Round
Each team plays a few seeding games, with standings determining tournament seeds #1 through #8.
Tournament
The tournament starts with quarterfinals between seeds #1 vs #8, #2 vs #7, etc. Winners advance to the semifinals, then the survivors play in the Championship Game.
Consolation Games
After losing in the quarterfinals or semifinals, teams play “consolation games” to determine final standings for the rest of the positions.
The complete schedule of matchups is released in advance by the NBA so fans know which teams are playing each day.
What is the typical daily schedule for the NBA Summer League?
The NBA Summer League has a packed slate of games from morning until late at night. A typical daily schedule consists of:
- 1-2 games in the early afternoon (starting between 3-5pm)
- 2-4 games in the evening/night (starting between 6-10pm)
The tournament format means each team is not playing every day. Teams will typically play around 3-5 total games over the 2+ week span of the Summer League.
It’s a marathon event for players and basketball fans alike. Come prepared to spend long days watching back-to-back-to-back games if you want to maximize the live action!
What are the future host cities for the NBA Summer League?
The NBA has multi-year deals in place to keep the Summer League at its current host sites through at least 2024:
Year | Las Vegas | California |
---|---|---|
2023 | T-Mobile Arena | Chase Center (San Francisco) |
2024 | Thomas & Mack Center | Golden 1 Center (Sacramento) |
Having Summer League in California and Las Vegas has been a successful model for the NBA. It allows convenient access for teams located on the West Coast, while also giving fans on both sides of the country a relatively short travel distance to enjoy the games live.
The NBA will continue monitoring opportunities to grow and enhance the Summer League. Rumors of potential expansion to new cities or overseas may happen in the future, but nothing official yet.
What NBA teams participate in Summer League?
All 30 NBA franchises send teams to compete at the Summer League. The roster of teams includes:
- Eastern Conference: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards
- Western Conference: Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz
Some teams, like the Lakers and Warriors, tend to draw more fan interest and buzz around their newly drafted players and roster. But every team plays in the Summer League as it’s an important development and evaluation opportunity.
What are the best NBA matchups to watch for at Summer League?
While matchups aren’t known until the schedule is released, there are usually some highly anticipated games featuring star rookies, intriguing new teams, and exciting young talent. Here are some of the best types of matchups to look for:
#1 picks facing off
When two recent top draft picks square off, it brings extra intrigue as fans get their first look at the NBA’s future stars. Last year’s games between Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green had huge buzz.
Rookie debuts
The first chance to watch the top drafted rookies like Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Jabari Smith is always eagerly awaited by NBA fans.
Historic franchises
When iconic teams like the Lakers, Celtics, or Warriors are playing, tickets are tougher to come by. Their nationwide fanbases turn out in droves.
Rising stars
Young players on the verge of stardom attract attention for breakout performances. Watch for names like Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Josh Giddey, and more.
Rebuilt teams
Summer League provides the first chance to check out newly assembled rosters like the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers who underwent major offseason overhauls.
Are tickets sold out for the 2022 NBA Summer League?
As of June 2022, there are still tickets available to purchase for the 2022 NBA Summer League in both Las Vegas and Sacramento. However, the most in-demand sessions and matchups will likely sell out in the coming weeks leading up to the events.
Fans looking to attend should absolutely buy their tickets as soon as possible for best availability. Use the tips mentioned earlier to increase your chances of obtaining seats to the sessions you want to see.
With excitement exceptionally high thanks to an incredible 2022 NBA playoffs and draft, this should be one of the hottest tickets of the summer. Don’t wait too long or you may miss out!
What COVID-19 protocols will be in place for 2022 NBA Summer League?
The NBA is expected to implement certain COVID-19 health and safety guidelines for the protection of players, team staff, and fans attending games. This may include:
- Providing proof of vaccination or negative test result to enter venues
- Required masks inside arenas
- Physical distancing between seats/suites
- Increased sanitization procedures
- Recommended mask-wearing for high-risk groups
- Limitations on concession item sharing/handling
Final policies will be based on local regulations and conditions closer to the event dates. Be sure to check the NBA Summer League and venue websites prior to attending for the latest entry requirements and arena rules.
What are the best hotels to stay at for NBA Summer League?
The NBA Summer League attracts fans from across the world. If traveling to Las Vegas or Sacramento, here are some recommended hotels conveniently located near the host venues:
Las Vegas
- Mandalay Bay – Directly connected to Michelob ULTRA Arena, home of 2022 Summer League
- Delano Las Vegas – Adjacent to Mandalay Bay convention center
- Luxor Las Vegas – Short walk from arenas on Strip
- Excalibur Hotel Casino – Budget option attached to Luxor
- Four Seasons Las Vegas – High-end luxury property minutes from Strip
Sacramento
- The Sawyer – Boutique hotel part of Golden 1 Center complex
- Residence Inn Sacramento Downtown – Steps away from main arena
- Hyatt Regency Sacramento – Connected by walkway to Golden 1 Center
- Hilton Sacramento Arden West – 10 mins away near Cal Expo
Make sure to book early for the best rates and availability. Rates often surge when popular events are in town. Checking travel deal sites can help find discounts on top hotels.
What is there to do in the host cities when not attending NBA games?
Beyond the NBA action, Las Vegas and Sacramento both offer plenty of fun activities, entertainment, and attractions to enjoy on your trip including:
Las Vegas
- Casinos along the Strip – From glitzy resorts to old Vegas charm
- Shows and concerts -Catch performances by A-list headliners
- Pool parties – Daylife fun at lavish hotel pools and clubs
- World-class restaurants – Award-winning spots for an unforgettable meal
- Nightlife – Sip cocktails at hip bars and dance clubs into the night
- Cirque du Soleil – See stunning acrobatic productions
Sacramento
- Golden 1 Center – Tour the state-of-the-art home of the Kings
- California State Capitol – Explore legislative building and grounds
- Old Sacramento – Wander historic riverfront district
- Crocker Art Museum – View impressive collections and exhibits
- Sacramento Zoo – Get up-close to wild animals
- Sutter’s Fort – Step back in time at reconstructed 19th-century fort
Whether your first time visiting or a repeat guest, the NBA host cities offer memorable experiences beyond basketball for unforgettable summer getaways.
Summary
The NBA Summer League delivers exciting basketball with a first look at the league’s future stars and up-and-coming talent. Use this guide to get your tickets secured, book travel, and start getting hyped for the nonstop hoops action. With thorough planning using the tips provided, you’ll be on your way to an amazing live experience at the 2022 NBA Summer League!