basketball
Phoenix Suns Among NBA’s Most Expensive Teams To Watch Live, New Study Shows

July 8, 2025

By Jonathan Eberle |

Attending a Phoenix Suns game will cost fans more than nearly any other NBA team, according to a new study analyzing average ticket prices across the league. The Suns rank eighth on the list, with an average ticket price of $172.

The analysis, conducted by betting tips provider Spelcash using data from SeatGeek, evaluated the average cost of attending a game for each team. While Phoenix fans may be feeling the pinch, they’re not alone — several teams are charging significantly more, with the Los Angeles Lakers topping the chart at an average of $365.75 per ticket.

That figure is 31% higher than the second-place Golden State Warriors ($279.47), and a staggering 146% higher than the league-wide average of $148.42.

The top five most expensive teams include:

1. Los Angeles Lakers – $365.75

2. Golden State Warriors – $279.47

3. Boston Celtics – $247.96

4. New York Knicks – $238.49

5. Dallas Mavericks – $215.00

Despite not cracking the top five, the Phoenix Suns’ $172 average ticket price still represents a 16% increase over the league average. They trail just behind the Los Angeles Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The study points to star power, market size, and recent team performance as contributing factors to ticket demand. “It is no surprise to see the Los Angeles Lakers at the top of the ranking,” said Johan Sunnanangs, CEO of Spelcash. “Their huge popularity, coupled with a roster featuring names like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, keeps demand sky-high.”

The Suns have drawn strong crowds in recent seasons, bolstered by playoff runs and marquee players like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. But for fans hoping to see them live, the cost is rising.

By contrast, the most affordable team to watch live is the Charlotte Hornets, with an average ticket price of just $82 — 45% below the league average. The Atlanta Hawks ($82.16) and Detroit Pistons ($85.15) also rank among the most wallet friendly.

The study also notes that three of California’s four NBA teams — the Lakers, Warriors, and Clippers — all rank in the top 10, underscoring both the market strength and popularity of basketball in the Golden State.

As the offseason ramps up with the NBA Draft and summer league action, demand for tickets is expected to continue climbing.

Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.

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