How to Get Cheap Tickets to NBA Basketball Games

NBA basketball games are not cheap! The median resale price for an NBA game ticket is about $96 according to Nerd Wallet.

These are the 10 cheapest full game-night experiences in the NBA (tickets for the family plus food and drink):

10 ways to get cheap NBA tickets

1. Wait for last-minute deals. Prices on resale sites often drop in the final hours before tip-off. How long is an NBA game? Long enough that walking in a few minutes late won’t hurt.
2. Use the resale market. StubHub and SeatGeek are full of fans unloading seats they can’t use.
3. Join the team’s loyalty program. Members get presale access and discount codes.
4. Go on a weeknight. Tuesday and Wednesday games cost less than Friday and Saturday games.
5. Try the preseason. Same arena, same players for a half or so, far lower prices.
6. Buy as a group. Most teams discount bulk orders, so bring friends or family.
7. Ask about student discounts. Many teams run student nights or student rush seats.
8. Skip the marquee opponents. A visit from the Lakers or Warriors costs more than a visit from a rebuilding team.
9. Watch for promotions. Teams give away or discount tickets through contests and sponsor nights.
10. Use a ticket broker, carefully. A broker can find below-market seats, but stick to one with a track record.

5 more ways to save on NBA tickets

11. Look for packages that bundle a hotel room with game tickets.
12. Check team subreddits and fan forums for people selling extras at face value.
13. Buy at the arena box office to avoid online service fees.
14. Ask about military and senior discounts.
15. Pay with a rewards or cash-back credit card.

When is the cheapest time to buy basketball game tickets?

Early in the season, and in the last hours before a game that hasn’t sold out. Prices climb as the playoffs approach and whenever a star is in town. The day of the week and the opponent matter more than how far ahead you buy.

Read more on this Reddit thread.