Lakers Ticket Prices Poised for Significant Increase Under New Ownership
The team's new owners plan to raise average ticket prices by approximately 66% in an effort to gain more control over the resale market and boost the franchise's valuation.
The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a substantial hike in ticket prices, with the average cost expected to rise from $217 to $361 within the next two years. This planned increase, which represents roughly a 66% jump, is part of a broader strategy by the team's new ownership to assert greater control over the resale market and reduce the influence of ticket brokers. Fans can anticipate these changes to take effect for the 2026-27 season.
The move comes as Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger are set to finalize their purchase of the team for a record $12.5 billion. Their ambitious plan aims to elevate the Lakers' valuation to at least $30 billion within the next decade, transforming the franchise into a sports powerhouse. This strategy is detailed in a pitch to investors, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
The Lakers have consistently demonstrated strong fan engagement, with Crypto.com Arena reaching 99.8% capacity last season, indicating robust demand for tickets. This sustained popularity suggests that the franchise can absorb the price increases.
This approach mirrors tactics employed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Lakers' baseball counterparts. The Dodgers have also worked to limit ticket brokers' involvement in their resale market, a move that has not deterred attendance, as the team continues to lead Major League Baseball in ticket sales.
Thrive Eternal, Kushner's sports properties company, projects that the Lakers can achieve substantial financial growth through increased ticket prices, enhanced media rights deals, expanded sponsorships, and international expansion. These initiatives are expected to drive annual profits to nearly $600 million by 2037. The franchise is currently valued at $12.5 billion, trailing only the Dallas Cowboys as the world's most valuable sports team. Projections indicate that the Lakers' revenue could reach $1.6 billion by 2037, with ticketing and media rights currently representing the largest portions of their earnings.