teammarketing.com

The 2008-09 NBA season is tipping off in uncertain times. No one is quite sure how the volatile economy will affect the sports world, from sponsorships to ticket sales.

One NBA executive told TMR that season-ticket sales, mostly wrapped up before the credit, housing and financial markets nosedived, were solid across the league. Still, news reports that the league let go a number of employees made headlines recently.  An NBA official said most of those cuts were previously planned and not representative of the league’s financial well-being.

In fact, because of the league’s popularity, the NBA thinks its overall product is “recession-resistent."

So it’s no surprise then that the average ticket price for NBA game this season has risen slightly - 2.8 percent. Fans can expect to pay an average of $49.47 for a ticket, according to TMR’s exclusive Fan Cost Index survey of season ticket prices.

That figure does not include much of the high-end club seating, luxury suites or private clubs.

After a strong rebound season, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to charge the most-expensive average ticket in the league at $93.25, an increase of 4.5 percent from last season, which matches last year’s percentage change. This is the seventh straight year the Lakers have topped this survey. Coming in second again are the New York Knicks at $70.51.

The NBA champion Boston Celtics are third at $68.55, a 4.8 percent jump from last year. The Chicago Bulls, fresh off a disastrous season but boasting hometown No. 1 pick Derrick Rose, are fourth in average ticket price at $64.25.

The Phoenix Suns aren’t selling themselves short, or cheap, after losing coach Mike D’Antoni to the Knicks. The Suns had a 10.1 percent increase in tickets, with an “average” season ticket going for $64.16.

The Dallas Mavericks ($62.10) and Portland Trail Blazers ($61.21, up 11.9 percent) are the only other teams with an average price above $60. In total, there are 13 teams with averages higher than the league mark, which continues to inch toward $50.

But fear not, bargain shoppers. The NBA continues to provide good deals, for those that search them out (See Table I). Thanks to a deal between the leagues and the owners following the lockout 10 years ago, there are a multitude of seats available for $10 or less - around 1.7 million according to the league. The Mavericks continue to offer a $2 ticket and several teams still have $5 seats.

 Six teams have reported overall percentage decreases from last year. While most are really cosmetic changes (moving seats around to different categories), Memphis, for one, made major changes.

The Grizzlies reported a 22.1 percent decrease, with a league-low average price of $24.11. The Grizzlies are also the cheapest option to take a family of four to a game. The team’s Fan Cost Index total is $182.94.

The Lakers continue to dominate the FCI chart, at $479.48, well above the average FCI of $291.93. The Fan Cost Index™ comprises the prices of four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one car, two game programs and two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps. The Knicks ($420.04), Celtics ($389.20), Suns ($355.63) and Heat ($352.20), round out the top five.

Four teams – the Golden State Warriors (25.3 percent), Charlotte Bobcats (14.3), Trail Blazers (11.9), and Phoenix Suns (10.1) – reported double-digit price increases – one less than last season and the same as in 2006-07.

The New Orleans Hornets, one of the best stories of last season, are still the best bargain in basketball, with an average ticket costing $25.17 and a Fan Cost Index price of $192.68.

 (The FCI was updated slightly on Oct. 29 after the Kings sent in a late concessions pricing correction. This changed the average FCI by 13 cents and moved the Kings above the Clippers in the FCI rankings. Also, we changed the description of the league being "recession proof" to "recession resistent," a description that was made in an editing error. )