Knicks Fans Consider Cheaper NBA Finals Experience in San Antonio

New York Knicks fans might find it more economical to travel to San Antonio for an NBA Finals game rather than attending one at Madison Square Garden (MSG). Currently, the most affordable tickets for a Knicks game at MSG are priced close to $4,000 each.

CNN highlighted this price difference shortly before Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Analyst Matt Egan pointed out that flying to San Antonio for the game is a cost-effective option. “It’s absolutely cheaper,” Egan stated. “You can book a hotel in San Antonio for several nights for about $600. A round-trip flight costs around $700. This expense even covers attending both Game 1 and Game 2 of the NBA Finals there. You’d spend approximately $3,100 in total, which is still less than $4,000 at MSG.” This option also offers fans the chance to spend time in Texas.

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Fans in New York recently celebrated the Knicks’ Eastern Conference championship win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 25, 2026. This marks the Knicks’ first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, while they aim for their first championship since 1973. David Dee Delgado captured the celebrations in New York City.

According to Egan, some Knicks fans are opting for the San Antonio route. Data indicates that 30% of Game 2 ticket buyers in San Antonio have New York ZIP codes. Tickets for Games 1 and 2 in San Antonio are priced around $750 and $1,100, respectively. Conversely, near-courtside tickets in the premium Celebrity Row section at MSG could cost as much as $220,000 each.

Sal Galatioto, president of Galatioto Sports Partners, commented on the escalating ticket prices, “Even wealthy fans are getting priced out.” He added, “I’m a huge Knicks fan. Would I spend $100,000 on a game? No way. Not even under duress.”

The growing prices reflect a surge in excitement around the Knicks’ first NBA Finals since 1999. Should the series extend to Game 6, ticket prices could further increase as that game will be at MSG. Despite criticism the NBA has faced, there is undeniable excitement surrounding this Finals match. Apart from the Knicks’ return, Spurs player Victor Wembanyama is gaining attention as one of the NBA’s youngest stars at 22.

During the Western Conference Finals at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on May 30, 2026, Wembanyama showcased his skills as a San Antonio Spurs forward. Christian Petersen captured the action.

Matt Ferrel, head of marketing at TickPick, told CNN, “The NBA Finals at the Garden are having a Super Bowl moment, in terms of pricing. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Like the Super Bowl earlier this year, former President Donald Trump plans to attend one of the NBA Finals games at MSG, possibly Game 3. “I think I’ll be going,” Trump mentioned. “I’ve been invited by many, including [James Dolan], and I think I’ll accept.”

The Knicks are +155 underdogs in this series. Bobby Burack reports for OutKick.