With a 2-0 lead in the series and the next two games played in New York City’s Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks have a chance to win their first NBA Finals in over 50 years on their home court. However, some of their most loyal fans won’t be able to see it in person, and one New York Knicks star isn’t happy about that.
In an interview leading up to Monday night’s Game 3 showdown with the San Antonio Spurs, Knicks guard Josh Hart expressed his displeasure at the prices of tickets, acknowledging that some of the team’s biggest fans will not be able to attend.
Soaring Ticket Prices
With a 2-0 lead in the series after the two games in San Antonio, the Knicks are in position to potentially secure the championship in front of their home crowd with two wins in New York City. Unfortunately, for most fans, being there to witness history comes at a price that’s simply unattainable.
As Game 3 tips off Monday night, ticket prices have soared to extraordinary levels. On the secondary market, prices have consistently been over $5,000 for the cheapest tickets to the game, and that’s actually significantly cheaper than they were before it was announced that United States President Donald Trump would be attending the game.
Prices are even steeper for Wednesday’s Game 4, which could see the Knicks capture their first NBA Championship since 1973 depending on the outcome of Monday’s contest. The lowest-priced tickets for Game 4 are currently selling for more than $11,000 just to enter the building, while the majority of seats are listed for upwards of $20,000.
Considering the median annual income for an individual in New York City is roughly $41,000, these ticket costs are well outside the financial reach of the average New Yorker.
While NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed some frustration at the high prices that prevented average New Yorkers from attending the game, he also acknowledged that the market simply dictates the price.
Josh Hart Not Happy
Speaking to reporters on Sunday afternoon, Knicks guard Josh Hart expressed frustration at the high ticket prices as wish, calling them “crazy” and “ridiculous.”
“I kind of wish the ticket prices weren’t as crazy as they are,” Hart said when speaking to reporters on Sunday.
“I feel like a lot of people who have been waiting for this moment for a very long time unfortunately aren’t able to get into the building,” he added. “The cheapest ticket $7,000, $8,000. That’s ridiculous.”
Of course, no amount of frustration from Hart will change the reality that many of the team’s most loyal fans will have to watch from outside of the arena. But it’s clear that he empathizes with them.
About Dave Kelsey
Contributing author to The Comeback.