Let’s be honest: NBA ticket prices aren't getting any lower, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank to see your favorite stars. Between hidden service fees and volatile secondary markets, finding a fair price requires more than just luck—it requires a strategy. In this 2026 update, we reveal the 'secret sauce' to scoring major discounts, including the best apps for last-minute price drops and how to avoid the common pitfalls that cost casual fans hundreds of dollars.
Where to Buy 2025-26 NBA Tickets: The Ultimate Guide
If you’re ready to catch the 2025-26 NBA season live—whether it’s witnessing Wembanyama’s rim-rattling dunks, the Thunder’s playoff push, or the Lakers-Celtics rivalry at its finest—you need a reliable game plan for buying tickets. I’ve broken down every legitimate way to score seats, from official face-value options to trusted resale platforms and exclusive packages. No more scouring random sites or stressing over fake tickets—this guide has you covered with up-to-date info, direct links, and pro fan tips to save you time and money.
Quick Season Context: The 2025-26 NBA regular season runs from October 21, 2025, to April 19, 2026, with playoffs tipping off in mid-April. All tickets this season are mobile-only (no paper tickets!) and subject to league and team terms of service, including health and safety protocols. Now, let’s dive into the best places to buy!
🔴 Chapter 1: Official & Primary Marketplaces (Safest, Face-Value Picks)
Primary marketplaces are your first stop—tickets come directly from teams or the NBA, so you’re guaranteed authenticity and no surprise markups. These are the best bets for high-demand games before they sell out.
NBATickets.com
What It Is: The NBA’s official one-stop hub for all team ticketing. Think of it as a "ticket concierge"—it doesn’t sell tickets directly but redirects you to the official provider (usually Ticketmaster) for your chosen team and game.
Why Fans Love It: No need to bookmark 30+ team websites. You can browse games across the league, filter by date, opponent, or price range, and instantly get connected to legitimate sellers.
Best For: Casual fans who want to compare games across multiple teams or don’t know their team’s official ticketing site.
Pro Fan Tip: Use the "Affordable Seats" filter to find budget-friendly face-value tickets for non-premium matchups.
Link: NBATickets.com
Ticketmaster
What It Is: The NBA’s official ticketing partner—over 90% of teams use Ticketmaster for primary box office sales, including regular-season, playoff, and special events (like Christmas Day games).
Why Fans Love It: 100% authenticity guarantee and the "Fan Guarantee" policy—if your game is canceled (and not rescheduled) or your tickets are invalid, you get a full refund of the face value. It also offers exclusive presales for high-demand games.
Best For: Securing seats for rivalry games, playoffs, or star-studded matchups at face value. Perfect for fans who prioritize safety over all else.
Pro Fan Tip: Service fees (10-20% of the ticket price) apply but are clearly displayed upfront. Sign up for Ticketmaster’s NBA newsletter to get presale codes sent directly to your inbox.
Link: Ticketmaster NBA Tickets
Team Websites (e.g., Lakers.com, Celtics.com, Warriors.com)
What It Is: Direct ticketing portals run by individual NBA teams. Beyond single-game tickets, they’re the go-to for season packages and team-exclusive perks.
Why Fans Love It: Access to presales, season tickets, and partial plans (10-game or 20-game packages) that you won’t find on general ticketing sites. Many teams offer extra perks like discounted parking, team store coupons, or postgame fan events for direct buyers.
Best For: Die-hard fans of a specific team, those looking for season/partial plans, or fans who want to unlock team-exclusive benefits.
Pro Fan Tip: In late December 2025, many teams (like the Golden State Warriors) still have partial plans available for the remainder of the season—these are cheaper than buying single-game tickets and often include playoff ticket priority. Join the team’s fan club (e.g., Warriors Insider) for presale access.
Example Link: Golden State Warriors Tickets
Arena Box Offices
What It Is: Physical ticketing counters at NBA arenas (e.g., Crypto.com Arena for the Lakers, Chase Center for the Warriors). They sell home game tickets directly to fans in person.
Why Fans Love It: No online service fees—you pay pure face value. You can also ask staff for help finding the best seats for your budget and even check seat views on-site.
Best For: Fans who live near the arena, hate online fees, or prefer to buy tickets in person.
Pro Fan Tip: Visit 1-2 hours before tipoff—teams often release unsold inventory at the box office right before the game. Note: They only sell home game tickets and accept cash or credit cards.
Example Link: Crypto.com Arena Box Office Info
🔵 Chapter Two: Top Secondary (Resale) Marketplaces (For Sold-Out Games)
When primary marketplaces are sold out (which happens fast for rivalry games and playoffs), trusted resale platforms are your next best bet. These sites connect sellers and buyers with strict authenticity checks and buyer protection—avoid random Craigslist or social media sellers at all costs!
TickPick
What It Is: A fan-founded resale platform famous for no hidden fees—the price you see is the price you pay. It’s a top alternative to Ticketmaster for budget-conscious fans.
Why Fans Love It: No buyer fees (unlike StubHub or SeatGeek), so tickets are often 10-25% cheaper than on other resale sites. It also offers a "Score Guarantee"—full refund or replacement tickets if your tickets are invalid or the game is canceled.
Best For: Fans who want to save money and hate surprise fees. Great for cheap NBA tickets across all teams.
Pro Fan Tip: Set up "Price Drop Alerts" for sold-out games—prices often plummet 24-48 hours before tipoff as sellers rush to unload seats.
Link: TickPick NBA Tickets
SeatGeek
What It Is: A data-driven resale platform with a unique "Deal Score" feature that takes the guesswork out of buying.
Why Fans Love It: The Deal Score rates seats from 0-100 (100 = best value) based on historical prices, seat location, and demand. It also has 3D interactive seat maps so you can preview your view before buying.
Best For: Fans who want to make sure they’re getting a good deal, not just a cheap ticket. Perfect for first-time arena goers.
Pro Fan Tip: Filter by "Lowest Total Price" (fees included) to avoid being tricked by low base prices. Fees are 10-15% and displayed upfront.
Link: SeatGeek NBA Tickets
StubHub
What It Is: The largest resale marketplace in the world, with a massive inventory of NBA tickets—including hard-to-find courtside seats and playoff tickets.
Why Fans Love It: "Instant Delivery" for last-minute tickets (sent to your phone within minutes) and the "FanProtect Guarantee" (full refund if tickets are invalid or the game is canceled). It’s also great for international fans (supports multiple languages and payment methods).
Best For: Last-minute buyers, fans needing rare seats, or international fans.
Pro Fan Tip: Fees are higher (10% buyer fee + up to 15% processing fee, totaling 20-25% of the ticket price), but you can save with StubHub coupon codes (often 3% off).
Link: StubHub NBA Tickets
Gametime
What It Is: A mobile-only resale app built for spontaneous fans—perfect if you decide to catch a game at the last minute.
Why Fans Love It: No hidden fees (all costs displayed upfront), and it shows real photos of seats taken by other fans (so you know exactly what you’re getting). You can buy tickets up to 1 hour before tipoff.
Best For: Spontaneous fans who want to buy tickets on their phone and avoid last-minute stress.
Pro Fan Tip: First-time users get a $10 discount with promo codes in the app. Enable location permissions to quickly find games near you.
Link: Gametime NBA Tickets
Vivid Seats
What It Is: A trusted resale marketplace with a wide selection of NBA tickets, including VIP packages and hard-to-find seats.
Why Fans Love It: "100% Buyer Guarantee" (validity and on-time delivery) and often the cheapest entry point for events like the NBA Draft (starting at $37 in 2025). It also runs frequent holiday promotions (great for Christmas games).
Best For: Budget fans looking for cheap entry-level tickets or those wanting VIP packages at a lower cost than other sites.
Pro Fan Tip: Check the "Promotions" page for first-time user discounts (10-15% off).
Link: Vivid Seats NBA Tickets
🟢 Chapter 3: Special Ticket Types & Packages (For Ultimate Fans)
If you want more than just a ticket—think VIP access, exclusive experiences, or guaranteed playoff seats—these special packages are worth the investment.
Season Tickets
What It Is: Packages that give you access to every home game of your favorite team for the 2025-26 season. Most teams also offer partial plans (10-game or 20-game) for flexibility.
Why Fans Love It: Guaranteed seats for all home games (including high-demand matchups), priority access to playoff tickets, and exclusive perks like VIP parking, meet-and-greets with players, and team store discounts. Some teams (like the Oklahoma City Thunder) even let you trade in unused tickets for account credit.
Best For: Die-hard fans who want to attend as many games as possible and unlock team-exclusive benefits.
Pro Fan Tip: 2025-26 season ticket sales launched in August 2025—full-season inventory is limited, but partial plans are still available in late December. Buy directly through your team’s website for the best perks.
Example Link: Chicago Bulls Season Tickets
NBA Experiences
What It Is: The only official provider of NBA special event packages, including the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, NBA Finals, and Draft Night.
Why Fans Love It: Packages include more than just tickets—think premium hospitality, hotel stays, meet-and-greets with NBA legends, on-court photo ops, and access to exclusive events like the NBA Champions Table (a celebrity chef food festival). Everything is 100% official, so no fake ticket risks.
Best For: Fans wanting a once-in-a-lifetime All-Star or Finals experience, or those who hate the hassle of booking tickets and accommodation separately.
Pro Fan Tip: 2026 All-Star Weekend packages (like the MVP Package, which includes tickets to all three All-Star events + exclusive experiences) sell out fast—book early.
Link: NBA Experiences 2026 All-Star Packages
🟣 Chapter 4: Comparison Tools (Save Time & Money)
Why check 5+ resale sites when one tool can do it for you? Comparison tools aggregate listings from multiple platforms, so you can find the best deal in seconds.
SeatPick
What It Is: A leading ticket comparison tool that aggregates millions of tickets from top resale platforms (StubHub, SeatGeek, Ticketmaster Resale, etc.) in real time. It covers sports, concerts, and theater, but excels at NBA ticketing.
Why Fans Love It: One search shows you all available tickets across platforms, with total prices (fees included) for easy comparison. No more tab-hopping to find the cheapest seat.
Best For: Fans who want to save time and find the best possible deal—perfect for budget buyers or those shopping for sold-out games.
Pro Fan Tip: Use the "Best Deal" filter to prioritize high-value seats. SeatPick redirects you to the original platform for checkout, so you still get the seller’s guarantee.
Link: SeatPick NBA Ticket Comparison
Final Fan Notes: Stay Safe & Save Smart
1. Avoid Scams: Only use the platforms listed above—they all have buyer protection. Never buy from random social media accounts or Craigslist (fake barcodes are common!).
2. Mobile-Only Reminder: All 2025-26 NBA tickets are digital—save them to your phone wallet before game day to avoid entry delays.
3. Refund Policies: Primary marketplaces only refund face value if a game is canceled and not rescheduled. Resale platforms (like StubHub and TickPick) offer full refunds for invalid tickets or canceled games.
There you have it—your ultimate guide to buying 2025-26 NBA tickets! Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard, these platforms and tips will help you score seats without the stress. Now go grab your tickets, wear your team’s jersey, and get ready to cheer live—nothing beats the energy of an NBA arena!
How to Secure the Best Deals for 2025/26 NBA Tickets: A Fan’s Guide
Whether you're planning to attend an early-season game or eyeing a high-stakes playoff matchup, finding the best deals on NBA tickets is key to making your fan experience affordable and unforgettable. In this guide, we’ll show you how to score the best NBA ticket deals for the 2025-26 season, from official platforms to savvy strategies on secondary markets.
🔥 1. Start Early: How Timing Can Save You Money
One of the most important strategies for getting a great deal on NBA tickets is timing. The earlier you start looking, the more likely you are to avoid price hikes and inflated costs as game dates get closer.
Why Timing Matters
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Presale Tickets: Many teams offer presale access for their loyal fans, often through newsletters or fan club memberships. Signing up for these early-bird opportunities can get you access to tickets before they go on sale to the general public—often at a lower price.
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Avoiding Price Increases: Tickets for popular games (think: high-profile matchups or the playoffs) can skyrocket as the game day approaches. Buying early, when tickets are first released, helps lock in lower prices.
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Post-Release Price Drops: While rare, some tickets on resale platforms may drop in price closer to game day. This is particularly common for less popular matchups or games that are in danger of not selling out.
Pro Tip:
Sign up for your favorite team’s newsletter and fan club for early access to presale tickets and special promotions.
💻 2. Use Official and Primary Marketplaces
When it comes to buying tickets, your first stop should always be the official primary marketplaces. These are the most secure and often the cheapest options, especially if you’re purchasing directly from the team or authorized partners.
Official NBA Ticket Websites
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NBATickets.com: The official hub for all NBA tickets. While it doesn’t sell tickets itself, it will redirect you to team-specific ticket pages.
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Ticketmaster: As the NBA’s primary ticketing partner, Ticketmaster is the go-to platform for most teams. It’s reliable, offers interactive seating charts, and provides buyer protection.
Team Websites
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Every NBA team has its own official ticketing system, where you can buy single-game tickets, season passes, or group discounts.
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Perks: Many teams offer exclusive presale deals and discounts for season ticket holders or loyal fans.
Pro Tip:
Avoid paying additional fees by purchasing tickets directly from your team’s website or Ticketmaster. Also, be sure to check for VIP and premium ticket packages that might offer discounts or exclusive perks.
💸 3. Take Advantage of Resale Marketplaces
While primary markets are always safe, secondary resale platforms can offer lower prices for NBA tickets—especially if you're flexible with the game date, seat selection, and opponent.
However, resale platforms come with risks, such as service fees and potentially inflated prices. Here’s how to navigate them effectively:
TickPick
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Why It’s Great: Known for its no-fee policy, TickPick shows you the price you’ll actually pay for tickets without any hidden charges. They aggregate listings from other resale sites, making it easy to compare ticket prices.
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Best for: Fans looking for transparent pricing with no surprise fees.
SeatGeek
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Why It’s Great: The Deal Score feature helps you assess whether a ticket is fairly priced compared to similar seats. It also aggregates tickets from multiple platforms, so you can compare deals.
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Best for: Savvy shoppers looking for great value on specific seats.
StubHub
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Why It’s Great: As one of the largest ticket marketplaces globally, StubHub offers a huge selection, especially for high-demand games. Their FanProtect Guarantee ensures that you’ll receive valid tickets, or your money back.
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Best for: Last-minute buyers who need instant delivery for tickets.
Gametime
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Why It’s Great: Known for last-minute deals, Gametime offers deep discounts on tickets closer to the game date. It’s perfect for spontaneous fans who can attend games on short notice.
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Best for: Fans looking for last-minute ticket deals with no hidden fees.
Vivid Seats
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Why It’s Great: Vivid Seats offers a wide selection, including VIP tickets and courtside seats. They also run a Rewards Program where fans can earn points toward discounts.
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Best for: Fans who want premium seats or to earn points for future ticket discounts.
Pro Tip:
For resale platforms, check the fees carefully! Some platforms like TickPick offer no service fees, which can significantly reduce the total price.
🏀 4. Look for Discounted Ticket Options
If you're on a budget, there are a few discount options and hacks you can use to save money while still enjoying an NBA game.
Student Discounts
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Many teams offer student discounts through platforms like UNiDAYS or by directly contacting the team’s ticketing department. NBA League Pass also offers a student discount for streaming live games at a reduced rate.
Group Discounts
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Group tickets can offer substantial savings if you plan to attend with friends, family, or coworkers. Most teams offer discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more.
Promotions & Special Deals
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Local Promotions: Sometimes, teams offer promotional nights or limited-time deals to boost ticket sales. Keep an eye out for these on the team’s social media or ticketing page.
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Charity Auctions: Teams sometimes auction off exclusive tickets or packages for special causes. While this isn’t an everyday deal, it can be a fun way to score VIP access while also supporting a good cause.
Pro Tip:
Check your team’s website for special ticket promotions. Some teams may also run “family packs” or fan nights with discounted tickets for select games.
🏆 5. Compare Ticket Prices Using Tools
If you’re still unsure which platform offers the best deal, ticket comparison tools can help you save both time and money.
SeatPick
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What It Does: SeatPick is a ticket search engine that aggregates listings from multiple secondary marketplaces like StubHub, SeatGeek, and others. It helps you compare prices in one place.
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Why It’s Great: By using SeatPick, you can quickly identify best-value tickets across multiple sites and avoid hidden fees.
TicketIQ
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What It Does: TicketIQ aggregates resale tickets and shows you real-time prices for seats, so you can see where to buy tickets at the lowest price.
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Why It’s Great: It also offers an extensive price history tool to help you decide whether to buy tickets now or wait for prices to drop.
🏅 6. Use Mobile Apps for Instant Deals
If you like the flexibility to buy tickets while on the go, using mobile apps can help you find great deals quickly.
Gametime & SeatGeek Apps
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Both platforms offer mobile-first experiences that allow you to buy tickets on short notice at discounted prices, often with additional mobile-only discounts.
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Why It’s Great: Mobile apps like these are perfect for fans who want to purchase tickets spontaneously and still get a good deal.
Final Thoughts: Patience and Strategy Are Key
Finding great deals on NBA tickets isn’t always about rushing in at the last minute or settling for expensive tickets on third-party resale platforms. By planning ahead, using official channels, and keeping an eye on discounts and promos, you can secure a spot at the game you want without breaking the bank.
Key Tips for Securing NBA Tickets on a Budget:
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Start early and look for presale opportunities.
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Use official platforms for secure and low-cost tickets.
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Check resale sites for last-minute deals but watch out for hidden fees.
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Look for discounts through student programs, group tickets, and local promotions.
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Use comparison tools like SeatPick to compare prices across platforms.
With a bit of patience, the right strategy, and some savvy ticket shopping, you’ll be able to enjoy the best of the NBA without emptying your wallet. Enjoy the game!