Secondary market ticket prices for the New York Knicks' home opener have surged by more than 500% compared to the previous season, with the cheapest seats now exceeding $1,300. According to data from TicketIQ, the get-in price for the Oct. 20 game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden is $1,346, a significant increase from the $215 cost for the 2025 home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Factors Driving Price Increase
The dramatic price hike is attributed to two major events. First, the Knicks will raise a championship banner for the first time in 53 years, commemorating their NBA Finals victory in 1973. Second, the game marks the debut of LeBron James as a member of the 76ers, following his offseason move from the Los Angeles Lakers.
"The championship has completely reset the Knicks ticket market," said Jesse Lawrence, CEO of TicketIQ. The overall get-in price for games at Madison Square Garden is projected to be approximately 47% higher this season than the last, rising from an average of $234 to $344.
The secondary market for opening night tickets is dynamic; the get-in price has seen a 5% decrease in the last four days, down from $1,417. For context, the opening night ticket prices are higher than all but two playoff games for the Knicks last season, specifically Game 3 and Game 4 of the NBA Finals.