What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Lakers have announced a substantial increase in ticket prices for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. This decision comes as the first major financial move by new owner Mark Walter, who acquired the franchise at a valuation of $10 billion.
Season ticket holders have been informed of the changes, with some experiencing price hikes as high as 45.9% compared to the previous season. For instance, a season ticket holder in the 300 level reported an increase from $6,192 in 2025-26 to $9,035 for the 2026-27 season. The Lakers have justified these increases by citing the current market landscape and demand. The team has maintained a high attendance rate, with an average of 18,877 attendees per game, close to the full capacity of 18,910 at the Crypto.com Arena.
Why It's Important?
The decision to raise ticket prices significantly impacts both the Lakers' fan base and the broader sports market. For fans, especially long-time season ticket holders, the increased costs may limit access to games, potentially altering the demographic of attendees. Economically, this move reflects a broader trend in professional sports where teams capitalize on high demand and market conditions to maximize revenue. The Lakers' decision could influence other franchises to adopt similar pricing strategies, affecting the overall affordability of attending live sports events. Additionally, this price adjustment may set a precedent for how sports teams balance financial goals with fan engagement and loyalty.
What's Next?
As the Lakers implement these price changes, they may face backlash from fans who feel priced out of attending games. The team will need to manage public relations carefully to maintain its strong fan base. Other NBA teams and sports franchises will likely monitor the Lakers' experience closely, considering similar strategies if the financial outcomes are favorable. The transition in the Lakers' business operations leadership, with Lon Rosen taking over from Tim Harris, may also bring new approaches to managing fan relations and ticket sales. The broader sports industry will watch how these changes affect the Lakers' attendance and revenue in the coming season.
