Attending an NBA playoff game is an electrifying experience, but nothing compares to the thrill of sitting courtside. Courtside seats provide fans with the closest possible view of the action, giving them an unparalleled perspective of the game, the players, and even the interactions between coaches and referees. These premium seats, however, come at a steep price—especially during the high-stakes atmosphere of the NBA playoffs.
The cost of courtside NBA tickets during the playoffs varies depending on several factors, including the teams involved, the round of the playoffs, and the specific location of the seats. Fans looking to secure these highly coveted tickets should be prepared to spend anywhere from several thousand dollars to over six figures per seat. In this article, we will break down the cost of courtside NBA playoff tickets and what influences their pricing.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Courtside NBA Playoff Tickets
1. Round of the Playoffs
The deeper the NBA playoffs go, the higher the ticket prices climb. Courtside seats in the early rounds (First Round and Conference Semifinals) tend to be more affordable compared to the later rounds (Conference Finals and NBA Finals). As the stakes get higher, the demand for premium seats increases, leading to skyrocketing prices.
First Round: Courtside tickets typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 per seat, depending on the team and location.
Conference Semifinals: Prices can jump to between $5,000 and $15,000 per seat.
Conference Finals: Expect to pay between $10,000 and $30,000 per seat.
NBA Finals: Courtside seats for the NBA Finals can cost anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000 per seat, with some premium locations exceeding $150,000.
2. Team Popularity and Market Size
The popularity of the teams playing significantly affects courtside ticket prices. Franchises in large markets, such as the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors, tend to have more expensive courtside seats than smaller-market teams like the Indiana Pacers or Memphis Grizzlies.
For example:
Courtside seats at a Lakers or Knicks playoff game can cost upwards of $15,000 even in the early rounds.
A courtside seat at a Milwaukee Bucks or Oklahoma City Thunder playoff game may start at around $3,000-$5,000.
3. Seat Location and Arena Layout
Not all courtside seats are priced the same. The most expensive courtside seats are those positioned near the center of the court, directly adjacent to the team benches or scorer’s table. Seats behind the baskets or further down the sidelines, while still courtside, can be slightly more affordable.
For instance:
Mid-court courtside seats (best views, near team benches): $20,000 – $100,000 per seat.
Baseline courtside seats (behind the basket): $5,000 – $40,000 per seat.
4. Opponents and Matchups
Rivalries and superstar matchups have a huge impact on courtside ticket prices. If two historic rivals face off, or if a game features multiple superstars (such as LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry), prices tend to be significantly higher.
Example scenarios:
A Lakers vs. Warriors playoff game can see courtside tickets priced at $25,000-$75,000.
A first-round matchup between mid-tier teams like the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves may only see courtside tickets in the $3,000-$8,000 range.
Breakdown of Courtside Ticket Prices by Team (NBA Playoffs)
Here’s an estimate of what courtside seats typically cost during the playoffs for some of the most popular teams:
| Team | First Round | Conference Semis | Conference Finals | NBA Finals |
| Los Angeles Lakers | $10,000+ | $20,000+ | $40,000+ | $75,000+ |
| Golden State Warriors | $8,000+ | $15,000+ | $30,000+ | $60,000+ |
| Boston Celtics | $6,000+ | $12,000+ | $25,000+ | $50,000+ |
| New York Knicks | $12,000+ | $25,000+ | $50,000+ | $100,000+ |
| Miami Heat | $5,000+ | $10,000+ | $20,000+ | $40,000+ |
Where to Buy Courtside NBA Playoff Tickets
Courtside playoff tickets are available through multiple channels, but securing them requires diligence and often a hefty budget. Here are the best places to purchase courtside tickets:
1. Official NBA Ticketing Platforms
Teams sell courtside seats through their official websites and the NBA’s authorized resale platform, Ticketmaster.
2. Resale Markets (StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, etc.)
Prices on secondary markets fluctuate based on supply and demand. Courtside seats often sell for significantly higher than face value.
3. VIP Packages and Hospitality Services
Some fans secure courtside seats as part of exclusive VIP packages, which may include perks like access to player meet-and-greets, premium dining, and private entrances.
4. Season Ticket Holders & Brokers
Courtside seats are often owned by season ticket holders or corporate sponsors. If they choose to sell, prices can be negotiated through brokers or private sales.
Conclusion
Courtside seats during the NBA playoffs are the pinnacle of the live basketball experience, but they come with a premium price tag. Depending on the team, matchup, and round of the playoffs, fans can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to well over $100,000 per ticket. The most expensive courtside seats are typically found in large-market arenas and during the NBA Finals, where the thrill and exclusivity of sitting next to the action reach their peak.
For those who can afford it, courtside playoff tickets offer an unmatched view of the game, up-close interactions with players, and a once-in-a-lifetime sports experience.
