Basketball fans eagerly await the start of the NBA season each year. Watching professional basketball live is an exciting experience for any fan. If you want to attend a game, you’ll need to plan ahead and purchase tickets at the right time to get seats you want at a good price.
When does the NBA season start and end?
The NBA regular season typically begins in mid-October and runs through mid-April. The playoffs take place from mid-April through June. The NBA Finals conclude the season in June.
Here are the key dates for the current 2022-2023 NBA season:
- Regular season: October 18, 2022 – April 9, 2023
- Playoffs begin: April 15, 2023
- NBA Finals: June 1-18, 2023
The regular season lasts 82 games for each of the 30 NBA teams. Teams play 41 home and 41 away games.
When can you buy tickets for NBA regular season games?
You can purchase tickets for NBA regular season games right now. Tickets for the entire season are available once the schedule is finalized in August.
Here are some tips for getting regular season NBA tickets:
- Buy early – Tickets go on sale to the general public in late summer/early fall before the season starts. Purchasing early provides the best selection and pricing.
- Check team websites – Teams sell tickets directly through their official websites. Buying this way avoids fees.
- Use online resale sites – StubHub, VividSeats, and SeatGeek are popular secondary marketplaces to find tickets being resold by other fans.
- Join team fan clubs – Fan clubs like NBA League Pass provide presale ticket access before the general public.
- Buy partial season ticket plans – Many teams sell smaller packaged plans of 10 or 20 games to split with friends.
NBA Regular Season Ticket Prices
Regular season NBA ticket prices vary by team, seat location, and demand for games against marquee opponents. Prices typically range from:
Seat Location | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Upper Level Corner/End | $20 – $100 |
Upper Level Sideline | $50 – $200 |
Lower Level Corner/End | $80 – $300 |
Lower Level Sideline | $150 – $600+ |
Games against rivals or popular teams like the Lakers often sell out fastest and have higher demand driving up prices.
When and how to get NBA playoff tickets
The NBA playoffs take place in April through June. Playoff tickets can be hard to come by since demand is high, and availability is limited.
Here are tips for getting seats to NBA playoff action:
- Join team fan club – Fan club members frequently get access to presale ticket offers before the general public.
- Buy early – Tickets for the First Round go on sale following the regular season. Purchase right away for best pricing and choice.
- Buy ticket packs – Many teams sell ticket packs locking in seats for all playoff rounds including the NBA Finals.
- Use resale sites – Prices increase as the playoffs advance, but tickets can still be found on sites like StubHub.
- Last minute deals – Fans often drop prices on extra tickets as game time nears. Check sites leading up to tipoff.
NBA Playoff Ticket Prices
NBA playoff tickets are more expensive than regular season. Prices jump further with each advancing round. Expect to pay:
Playoff Round | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
First Round | $100 – $300 |
Conference Semifinals | $200 – $600 |
Conference Finals | $300 – $900 |
NBA Finals | $500 – $1,500+ |
NBA Finals ticket prices can easily exceed $1,000-$2,000+ for prime seats to see championship games.
When and how to get tickets for NBA All-Star Weekend events
The NBA All-Star Game takes place every February. It’s the centerpiece event of NBA All-Star Weekend festivities. Other events include:
- NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
- NBA Rising Stars Challenge
- NBA All-Star Saturday Night (Slam Dunk Contest, 3-point contest, skills challenge)
Here are tips for getting tickets for 2023 NBA All-Star weekend in Salt Lake City:
- Buy ticket packages – The NBA sells event bundles allowing you to attend multiple events over the weekend.
- Join fan club presales – All-Star ticket presales are offered to NBA fan club members first.
- Buy early – Limited quantities mean high demand. Purchase as soon as tickets are available to the general public.
- Use resale sites – All-Star tickets get very expensive. Resale sites offer options if box office tickets are sold out.
- Buy last minute – Prices drop leading up to event dates as sellers offload extra tickets.
NBA All-Star Weekend Ticket Prices
Given the limited supply and high demand, NBA All-Star tickets are far more expensive than regular season games. Typical price ranges are:
NBA All-Star Event | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Celebrity Game | $50 – $200 |
Rising Stars Challenge | $100 – $350 |
All-Star Saturday Night | $200 – $600 |
NBA All-Star Game | $500 – $2,500+ |
VIP packages with extras like meet-and-greets, parties, and hotel stays can cost $1,000-$5,000+ per person.
Conclusions
Attending an NBA game is a thrilling experience for basketball enthusiasts. By buying tickets at the right time, fans can secure seats for fair prices.
Planning ahead and purchasing tickets early is key to getting the best deals. Joining team and league fan clubs also provides special presale access opportunities.
Playoff and NBA All-Star tickets are hot commodities and expensive. Buying well in advance or last minute can yield deals. Resale sites offer alternate ways to buy when box office tickets are unavailable.
With the right preparation and timing, basketball lovers can enjoy live NBA excitement without breaking the bank!