NBA Tickets: How & Where to Buy Cheap Seats
Whether you're chasing courtside seats or the cheapest ticket in the building, here's how to buy NBA tickets safely — and how to avoid overpaying.
Buying NBA tickets really comes down to two decisions: which marketplace you trust, and when you pull the trigger. Get both right and you can land tickets well under face value. Get them wrong and you might pay a premium, or worse, end up with a ticket that never scans at the door.
A full house on a rivalry night. That's exactly the kind of game where ticket prices spike the fastest.
For non-marquee matchups, the biggest price drops usually come in the final 24-48 hours before tipoff, so it pays to be patient.
Official vs. Resale Marketplaces
| MARKETPLACE | BEST FOR | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Team Box Office / Ticketmaster | Primary release, season ticket seats | Face value, official transfer through the team app |
| StubHub | Resale with buyer guarantee | Prices fluctuate with demand; guarantee covers invalid tickets |
| SeatGeek | Deal-hunting with seat-quality scores | "Deal Score" flags underpriced listings |
| Vivid Seats | Rewards / rebooking flexibility | Loyalty program credits toward future purchases |
When to Buy for the Cheapest Price
- Last 24-48 hours before tipoff: sellers cut prices so they aren't stuck with unsold seats, especially for non-marquee matchups.
- Weeknight, non-rivalry games: these are consistently cheaper than weekend games or nationally televised rivalries.
- Upper-level corners: often the biggest single jump in value per dollar compared with the sideline seats one section over.
- Avoid opening week and playoffs: that's when demand, and prices, peak the hardest.
Ticket Fees: What You Should See Upfront
Comparing prices got a lot easier in 2025. Under the FTC's Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees, which took effect on May 12, 2025, anyone selling live-event tickets, including resale sites, has to show you the total price with every mandatory fee included, and that total has to be the most prominent price on the page. Government taxes and shipping can still be added later, but they have to be disclosed before you pay.
The rule is being enforced. In April 2026, StubHub agreed to a $10 million settlement after the FTC said it didn't show the full price on its first pricing screens right after the rule took effect, as NBC News and Pollstar reported. StubHub said it disagreed with the FTC's view but agreed to refund part of the fees to affected buyers.
What it means for you: compare the all-in price from one marketplace to the next, not the number in the first ad you see. If the total climbs at checkout by more than taxes or shipping, treat that as a warning sign.
Red Flags That Mean You're About to Get Scammed
- The seller wants you to pay by bank transfer, cash app or gift cards instead of using the platform's checkout.
- You're sent a PDF or screenshot instead of a transfer through the official team app.
- The listing is priced way below every comparable seat for a high-demand game.
- The marketplace doesn't offer a buyer guarantee or a refund policy for invalid tickets.
- The price jumps at checkout by more than taxes or shipping. Under federal rules, mandatory fees have to be in the price you see upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the safest place to buy NBA tickets?
The team's official box office, Ticketmaster, or a verified resale marketplace with a buyer guarantee like StubHub, SeatGeek, or Vivid Seats.
What is the cheapest day to buy NBA tickets?
Usually the final 24-48 hours before tipoff for lower-demand matchups, as sellers try to avoid unsold inventory.
How can I avoid getting scammed buying NBA tickets?
Stick to platforms with a buyer guarantee, avoid off-platform payment requests, and confirm transfer through the official team app before the event.
