Latest news with #basketballfans
Bloomberg
26-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Cooper Flagg, Paige Bueckers Drive Dallas Basketball Bonanza
Four months after Dallas Mavericks fans held a mock funeral for the franchise outside its arena following the trade of star forward Luka Doncic, they rushed back to the team's home court to celebrate what they hope will be its rebirth. About 6,000 people watched from the stands of the American Airlines Center as the team selected Duke University's Cooper Flagg with the top pick in the National Basketball Association's draft Wednesday night. Almost 2,000 fans bought $125 Flagg jerseys from pop-up jersey printers in the arena and online, said Rick Welts, the team's chief executive officer.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thunder's Game 7 win over Pacers most-watched NBA Finals game in 6 years
Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate after winning game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images If a playoff series produces classic after classic, fans will flock toward it. No better case study in that than the 2025 NBA Finals. After some initial worries that two small markets wouldn't be able to carry the league's main event, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers produced one of the best championship series in recent history. The NBA Finals went the distance. It saw a Game 7 for the first time since 2016. While not as dramatic, the Thunder's 103-91 win over the Pacers attracted eyes from all over the globe to see one of the greatest seasons ever capped off. Advertisement All the crying about small markets doesn't matter to the average basketball fan. Who cares where these teams are located? All that matters is if they can produce high-quality basketball on the court for 48 minutes. Safe to say the Thunder and Pacers did that. And the data backs it up. ESPN announced that the Thunder's Game 7 win over the Pacers was their most-watched NBA Finals game in six years. It averaged 16.4 million viewers with a peak of 19.3 million viewers. A Game 7 by itself is the most attractive watch in the NBA. So much volatility and nerves are built into these do-or-die matchups. Now, inject steroids in the stakes with an NBA Finals Game 7 that has player legacies and franchise histories on the line, you can only imagine how excruciating the wait was for OKC and Indiana. This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Thunder Game 7 win over Pacers most-watched NBA Finals game in 6 years
New York Times
22-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Pacers vs. Thunder live updates: 2025 NBA Finals Game 7 start time, picks and predictions
Getty Images Hello basketball fans and welcome to The Athletic's live coverage of Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Indiana was impressive in Game 6, completely and decisively outplaying Oklahoma City with the NBA title hanging in the balance. As a result, we have a winner-take-all game for the crown tonight. Which franchise will win their first NBA title? Who will be hero? Stay tuned for the lastest analysis, updates and reaction that roll on well beyond the final whistle.
New York Times
13-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Thunder vs. Pacers live updates: 2025 NBA Finals Game 4 start time, picks and predictions
Hello basketball fans and welcome to our live coverage of Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Entering these NBA Finals, it was rare to find an analyst or basketball fan outside of Indiana that picked the Pacers to win this series. But all of a sudden, after another heroic comeback in Game 1 and an impressive 116-107 home win in Game 3, Indiana now leads the series 2-1 with a chance to take a commanding 3-1 lead at home tonight. How will Oklahoma City respond to adversity in a critical moment? Can the Pacers seize control of this series? Both of these questions, amongst others, will be answered tonight so stay tuned as The Athletic has you covered with live coverage starting now and rolling on well past the final whistle. You don't want to miss a moment!
Entrepreneur
05-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Knicks conference finals appearance drives MSG Ticket prices skyward
New York City has erupted in basketball fever as the Knicks reach the National Basketball Association's conference finals for the first time in a quarter-century, causing ticket prices at Madison... This story originally appeared on Due New York City has erupted in basketball fever as the Knicks reach the National Basketball Association's conference finals for the first time in a quarter-century, causing ticket prices at Madison Square Garden to reach unprecedented heights. The team's long-awaited return to this advanced playoff stage has ignited a purchasing frenzy among fans desperate to witness history in person. This marks a significant moment for a franchise that has experienced multiple rebuilding phases and disappointments since its last conference finals appearance in 1999. Historic Return Fuels Market Surge After 25 years of waiting, Knicks fans are opening their wallets to secure seats for the upcoming games. The demand reflects both the team's passionate fan base and the significance of this playoff run in the context of the franchise's recent history. Madison Square Garden, often referred to as 'The World's Most Famous Arena,' is seeing ticket prices that match its prestigious reputation. The venue, which has hosted countless memorable NBA moments throughout its history, is once again the center of basketball attention in New York. Economic Impact of Playoff Success The surge in ticket prices represents more than just basketball enthusiasm—it demonstrates the economic power of successful sports franchises in major markets. Local businesses around Madison Square Garden are also experiencing increased activity as fans gather before and after games. The financial windfall extends beyond just primary ticket sales. The secondary market has exploded with resellers listing tickets at multiples of face value, creating both opportunities and challenges for fans hoping to attend the games. Some notable effects of the Knicks' playoff run include: Increased merchandise sales throughout the city Higher reservation rates at restaurants near Madison Square Garden Greater television viewership for Knicks games Fan Reaction and Cultural Significance The willingness of fans to pay premium prices highlights the cultural significance of the Knicks in New York City. Despite years of mediocre performance, the team has maintained a loyal following that has eagerly awaited this return to prominence. Social media platforms have been flooded with fans sharing their excitement, ticket purchase stories, and even complaints about the high prices. This online activity further fuels interest in the games and contributes to the escalating ticket market. The Garden' has always been a special place for basketball, but these conference finals games represent a new peak in both fan enthusiasm and financial investment required to attend. Basketball analysts note that the Knicks' return to the conference finals represents more than just a sporting achievement—it's a cultural moment for a city that prides itself on basketball tradition. The team's success has united diverse segments of New York's population in a shared experience. As the series approaches, the question remains whether ticket prices will continue to climb or if they'll reach a ceiling based on what even the most dedicated fans are willing to pay. Either way, Madison Square Garden will be the hottest venue in New York City as the Knicks continue their quest for an NBA championship. The post Knicks conference finals appearance drives MSG Ticket prices skyward appeared first on Due.
