Championship + LeBron Effect! Knicks Opener Cheapest Ticket at $1,326: A 526% Surge

On September 13, the New York Post reported, based on TicketIQ data, that for the October 21 opener at Madison Square Garden versus the Philadelphia 76ers, the lowest-priced ticket on the secondary market—fees included—costs $1,346 (approximately 9,034 RMB). The company's figures show a 526% increase compared to the 2025 home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, which had a minimum entry price of just $215.

TicketIQ notes that the minimum entry price for this opener exceeds that of every Knicks playoff game from last season except for Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals. TicketIQ CEO Jesse Lawrence stated, "Winning the championship has completely transformed the Knicks' ticket market."

According to TicketIQ, the average minimum entry price for a single game at Madison Square Garden this season has risen about 47% year over year, from $234 last season to $344 this season.

Two major factors have driven up opener ticket prices: first, the Knicks will raise their championship banner at Madison Square Garden—the first time in 53 years since the team won the NBA title in 1973. Second, this game marks LeBron James' debut in a 76ers jersey. This offseason, he left the Los Angeles Lakers and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.