Knicks Ticket Prices Surge Amid Playoff Excitement, Scammers on the Prowl

Ticket sales for the New York Knicks are soaring, even as the team faced a disappointing loss in Game 1. Fans are clamoring for seats to the upcoming Game 2 against the Pacers, with prices reaching staggering heights.

Stubs are reportedly selling for as much as $3,000, a figure that has attracted the attention of ticket scammers eager to exploit the fervor surrounding the playoffs. Standing-room-only tickets are also fetching high prices, with some listed at $577.

Governor Kathy Hochul issued a warning to fans, advising them to purchase tickets only from reputable reselling platforms. “As the Knicks continue their incredible run, I understand the excitement and pride fans across New York are feeling — it’s electric,” she stated. “But I want to remind everyone: don’t let that excitement make you a target.”

Casual fans looking to join the playoff excitement are particularly vulnerable to scams. Legitimate sellers like Ticketmaster and SeatGeek are recommended, while platforms such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace should be avoided.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the lowest price for a single ticket on verified platforms was an astonishing $694. The highest price found was $3,025, which could secure a seat in row 3 or even row 23. Nosebleed seats are not exempt from the price surge, with some nearing $1,000.

If the Knicks progress further in the playoffs, ticket prices are expected to escalate even more. Early listings for NBA Finals tickets have already reached a minimum of $2,185, plus an additional $200 service fee. Courtside seats are being offered at an eye-popping $105,000.

Knicks Fan First members have been given priority access to these premium seats, despite no guarantees of their team advancing. The rising prices have led many fans to seek out suspiciously low-priced tickets from unverified sources, prompting Hochul's urgent warning.

Reports of fraudulent ticket sales have already reached the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. While only one formal complaint has been filed since the Knicks secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals, there were 12 complaints in the previous month alone.

In the past year, the FTC recorded 48 complaints related to Knicks tickets, with victims reporting issues such as purchasing fake tickets on social media and not receiving tickets they believed they had bought.

To help fans avoid falling victim to scams, Hochul's office has provided guidance on safe ticket purchasing practices.