Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized NBA owners’ wealth as ticket prices put games out of reach for many families. He highlighted the Knicks’ season-opener against Philadelphia, where the average ticket reportedly cost $1,894, while pointing to cheaper seats elsewhere as evidence that prices vary widely across the league.

By the Numbers
  • 26 of the NBA’s 30 owners are billionaires.
  • The average ticket to Knicks-Sixers reportedly cost $1,894.
  • Clippers opening-night tickets were listed at $51 to $163 before fees; Trail Blazers-Suns tickets started at $50.
  • Warriors seat licenses initially cost $15,000 or less for half the seats; the other half cost more.
Yes, But

Ticket costs differ significantly by team and game, and some seats are available for far less than the Knicks’ reported average. Still, the Warriors’ personal seat licenses add an upfront cost just for the right to buy season tickets.

Bottom Line

Sanders’ broader point is that fans can be priced out even as team owners grow wealthier—especially when public support helps build the venues they own.