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Soaring to new heights NBA ticket prices top those of other major sports
Posted: Thursday November 11, 1999 07:18 PM
NEW YORK (AP) -- NBA ticket prices are soaring higher than the league's players. For the first time, basketball has the highest ticket prices among the four major sports. The NBA's average ticket costs $48.37 this season, the Team Marketing Report said Thursday, a 13.8 percent increase from last year's $42.54 average. The New York Knicks, who haven't won an NBA title since 1973, have the highest average, at $86.82, a 9.4 percent rise. The Los Angeles Lakers, who moved from the Forum to the Staples Center, are Second, at $81.89, increasing their average ticket price 60.2 percent from $51.11. That was the second-highest increase, trailing only the Toronto Raptors, who raised their average 63.4 percent, from $26.17 to $42.76, when they left SkyDome for their first full season in Air Canada Centre. At the other end, the Charlotte Hornets have the lowest average of $32.08, despite a 13.9 percent increase from $28.12, and the Vancouver Grizzles have the second-lowest average, $34.71. The NHL has the second-highest average, $45.70, following a 6.9 percent increase this season. The NFL average is $45.63, following a 6.6 rise, and baseball had a $14.91 average, following a 9.7 percent increase. Since the 1991-92 season, NBA ticket prices have gone up 108.1 percent from a $23.24 average. NFL ticket prices have increased 81.0 percent since 1991 and baseball 72.6 percent. NHL prices were not tracked until 1994-95. NBA spokesman Brian McIntyre said the league's calculation of the average was slightly less. "Our records indicate the percentage of change is about 9 percent," he said. The Fan Cost Index, which includes two average-price tickets, two average-price child tickets, four small soft drinks, two small beers, four hot dogs, parking, two programs and two adult caps, increased 11.0 percent to $266.61 from $240.26. The Knicks remained No. 1, going up 5.9 percent to $455.26, and the Lakers shot up 44.7 percent to second at $427.57. Charlotte had the lowest index at $183.15, with Vancouver 28th at $185.36. They were the only teams under $200. The NFL's average is $258.50 this season. The NHL is at $254.48 and baseball at $121.36.
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