More about: New York NBA Basketball 2025-2026: Tickets and Best Prices
One of the most fascinating spectacles you can attend in the United States is an NBA game. Whether basketball is your passion or you want to experience the madness and atmosphere that this sport awakens in New York, it is a unique sensation that you have to experience at least once in your life.
There are two NBA teams in New York, the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets. Both compete from October to April in the regular season and from April to June in the playoffs if they qualify. Tickets for the new 2025-2026 season are now on sale. Don't miss out!
- New York Knicks
- Tickets from $50
- Feel the Madison Square Garden rock with a Knicks game
- Buy your tickets
- Brooklyn Nets
- Tickets from €50
- Another New York NBA classic awaits you in the iconic Brooklyn neighborhood
- Buy your tickets
Tickets for the New York Knicks: the most popular

The New York Knicks play at the legendary Madison Square Garden, located in the heart of Manhattan. The team was founded in 1946 and is the longest-running team in the league. Although they have only won two titles (the last one in... 1972!), they are the most famous team in the NBA. What's more, it's finally a pleasure to watch them play: last season they made the playoffs and they have superstars such as point guard Jalen Brunson and starting center Karl-Anthony Towns.
Best games of the 2025-26 season: the excitement returns to Madison
After a spectacular 2024-25 season—with 51 wins, a playoff berth, and a trip to the Eastern ConferenceFinals—the Knicks are back and hungry for more. The new season kicks off on October 21, 2025, and the arrival of reinforcements such as Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson, alongside the core of Brunson, Bridges, and Towns, promises to fill Madison Square Garden with atmosphere and excitement.
Here are the best NBA games at Madison Square Garden for the new season. Don't miss out on your ticket to experience it!
- October 22, 2025: New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (regular season). Mike Brown's era at Madison Square Garden kicks off with a matchup against one of the Eastern Conference's most powerful rivals.
- October 24, 2025: New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics (NBA Cup). A clash between historic rivals in a new tournament format that promises intensity from the start.
- December 25, 2025 (Christmas): New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (regular season). The Garden's Christmas classic, a must-see for fans and the most special atmosphere of the year.
- January 19, 2026 (MLK Day): New York Knicks vs. Dallas Mavericks (regular season). A nationally televised event featuring the highly anticipated debut of Cooper Flagg at the Garden.
Brooklyn Nets tickets: the alternative in NYC

The Brooklyn Nets moved to a new home a few years ago and now play at the modern Barclays Center in Brooklyn. They possibly have the best defensive lineup in the NBA with Cam Johnson as the franchise player of the season. Although they don't usually start as favorites, the show is equally guaranteed.
Best games of the 2025-26 season: a breath of fresh air, promising young players
The Nets closed out the 2024-25 season with 26 wins and are now preparing for a rebuilding season full of excitement. At the Barclays Center, we will see Cam Thomas and new draft picks looking to shine. It's a great time to bet on a team that wants to make a name for itself. Check out the most anticipated games, with tickets at very affordable prices!
- October 24, 2025: Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (regular season, home opener). Debut at the Barclays Center against former Nets coach Kenny Atkinson, setting the emotional tone from the very first game.
- November 3, 2025: Brooklyn Nets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (national TV). A big game televised by Peacock that marks a moment of high visibility for Brooklyn.
- January 1, 2026 (New Year's Day): Brooklyn Nets vs. Houston Rockets (Kevin Durant) (regular season). Kevin Durant's return to Barclays Center in a game steeped in history and emotion.
- February 2, 2026 (MLK Day): Brooklyn Nets vs. Phoenix Suns (regular season). A televised game on one of the most important dates on the calendar, ideal for generating significant interest.
Where to buy NBA tickets in New York for the 25-26 season?

NBA tickets can be purchased quickly and easily online. Hellotickets has an agreement with the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets to sell their tickets to fans anywhere in the world.
Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the game at the box offices of major stadiums such as Madison Square Garden or the Barclays Center. However, this is not recommended for several reasons: limited availability, long lines at the ticket windows, and you will have little choice in seating.
How much does it cost to see an NBA game in New York?

The price varies depending on the teams playing, but the average price is approximately €150 per ticket for both the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets. The minimum price is usually €50 for a less important game and a seat far from the court. The maximum price is well over €1,000 for a seat at the edge of the court.
It is very important to note that ticket prices change every day, just like the price of a plane ticket. If there is high demand and few tickets left, the price will be higher, while if demand is low, the price will drop.
Prices also fluctuate throughout the season. The Knicks' Christmas games are the most expensive of the year, as the city is filled with international and American tourists who want to go to Madison Square Garden. However, towards the end of the regular season (April), tickets are usually cheaper because fans of both teams prefer to wait for the playoffs.
How to save money when buying NBA tickets in New York?

To save money when buying NBA tickets when traveling to New York, it is important to keep in mind that ticket prices change constantly. That is, every day prices go up or down depending on demand, just like a plane ticket.
The problem is that the Knicks and Nets sell most of their tickets to season ticket holders before the season starts. Therefore, tickets often sell out, so demand is always high. With this in mind, there are a few things you can do to save money.
Buy tickets in advance
The most important thing to save on NBA ticket prices is to buy tickets as far in advance as possible. Tickets for the Knicks and Nets go on sale in mid-August, and that's when prices are lowest for all games of the season. If possible, this is the best time to buy them. This is similar to booking a flight or a hotel.
If there are still more than two months to go before the game, ticket prices will have changed, but they will not have risen significantly yet.
The biggest problem is if there are less than two weeks to go: in that case, you will have no choice but to pay a higher price, as there will be high demand and few tickets available.
Choose a less attractive opponent
Another essential factor in determining the price of the game is who the Knicks or Nets are playing. A game against one of the best teams in the league or one of the most famous (such as the Lakers) can be up to three times more expensive than a game against a lesser team. Obviously, big games are in high demand, but if it's the experience that matters to you and you have some flexibility with your dates, you can save money by attending a less attractive game.
Choose a seat behind the basket
The last tip for saving money is to choose a seat that offers a good experience but isn't overly expensive. Seats behind the basket (regardless of how close or far you are from the court) are always cheaper than seats on the side of Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center.
However, the best seats in terms of value for money are those located in the corners. These tickets have an acceptable viewing angle and are significantly cheaper than a ticket in the center of the side.
How much does a ticket to the New York Knicks cost?

A ticket for the New York Knicks costs an average of €148 per ticket. The minimum price is €52 for a less important game towards the end of the season.
The most expensive time of the regular season (before the playoffs) to go see the Knicks is during Christmas, as this is when demand is highest. If they qualify for the playoffs, the average price ranges from €200 for the first round to an estimated €1,000 if they make it to the NBA Finals.
How much does a ticket to the Brooklyn Nets cost?

A ticket for the Brooklyn Nets has an average price of €172 per ticket. The minimum price is €55, if the opponent is not very attractive and there is nothing at stake at the end of the regular season, just before the playoffs.
The average cost of a playoff ticket to see the Nets is €225 in the first round and is estimated to cost around €850 if they reach the NBA Finals.
How to avoid fake NBA tickets in New York?

The only way to avoid fake tickets is to buy from official websites, such as Hellotickets. There are websites run by companies that sell unauthorized resale tickets. Not all of their tickets cause problems, but there is a chance that they are duplicates, and even if they refund your money, you will not be able to enter the stadium.
There are also people outside the stadium offering tickets. They do not do this openly, but walk past fans and discreetly ask if anyone is looking for tickets.
These tickets are always fake. They will take you to a secluded place to collect the cash for the tickets. When you are blocked from entering, the scalper will have disappeared with your money.
What are the best seats in each stadium?

The NBA game experience will largely depend on the seat you choose when purchasing your ticket. Although basketball stadiums have a smaller capacity than football stadiums, they are huge venues for such a small court, and a ticket in the back rows is really far from the players.
What are the best seats at Madison Square Garden?
The best seats at Madison Square Garden are in sections 1 through 12. In the corners or behind the basket (sections 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9), you can experience the game up close, and although you can't see the play very well, the experience is fantastic. The 100 sections are also highly rated because they offer the best view of the basketball and are still close to the court.
What are the best seats at the Barclays Center?
The best seats at the Barclays Center are in sections 1 to 31. The corner sections, which offer good value for money and a good view of the game, are 3, 13, 19, and 29. It is better to choose one of the last rows in these sections than one of the first rows in sections 200.
When booking tickets on the Hellotickets website, you can view an interactive map and select the seats that interest you most based on how close you want to be to the court. You can check the different prices and see an image to get an idea of the distance to the court.
How many NBA games are there in New York in the 25-26 season?

There are 82 NBA games played in New York from October to April: 41 New York Knicks games at Madison Square Garden and 41 Brooklyn Nets games at Barclays Center. If either team qualifies for the playoffs, the number will be higher.
Can I go see an NBA game during Christmas in the 2025–2026 season?

Yes. During the 2025-2026 NBA season, both the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets will play several home games during the Christmas holidays. The league schedules games between December 20 and January 2, so it's almost certain that at least one game will coincide with your trip.
In addition, the NBA holds very special games at Christmas, with a unique atmosphere at Madison Square Garden or the Barclays Center, making basketball part of the festive experience in New York.
Can I go to an NBA game in the summer?

Unfortunately not, as the NBA regular season starts in October and ends in April, with the playoffs ending in June.
If you're traveling to New York in the summer and want an alternative to the NBA to experience American sports, you can go see the New York Yankees or the New York Mets, two baseball teams that are in the middle of their season in the summer. Baseball teams in NYC play a lot of games, so it's easy to catch one. You may not even like baseball, but you're sure to enjoy the typical scene of baseball caps, the national anthem, and hot dogs.
You can buy tickets for the New York Yankees here and tickets for the New York Mets here.
Alternatively, if you're traveling in late August or September, football season will already be underway. New York is home to the New York Giants and the New York Jets. There aren't many games, but you can check if any dates suit you at this link for Giants tickets and this link for Jets tickets.
How long is the 2025–2026 NBA season?

The preseason (early October)
NBA teams play between five and eight preseason games, usually between the first and third weeks of October, to get ready for the start of the league.
NBA tickets for these gamesare usually cheaper, although the intensity is lower and many stars play fewer minutes.
The NBA regular season (October 21, 2025 - April 15, 2026)
During this period, each team plays 82 games, approximately one every two days. There are some key dates during the regular season that you should mark on your calendar:
- December 25 (Christmas Day): The NBA schedules featured games, with a great atmosphere at Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center.
- First game of the year: a classic for New Yorkers and tourists alike, with highly sought-after tickets.
- Knicks vs. Nets: the New York derby, one of the most exciting games of the year.
- February (NBA All-Star): The event brings together the league's biggest stars in a unique spectacle.
NBA Playoffs (April 18 - early June 2026)
After the regular season, the 16 best teams (8 from the Eastern Conference and 8 from the Western Conference) face off in a best-of-7 series: quarterfinals, semifinals, and conference finals.
Last season, both the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets made it to the playoffs.
NBA Finals (June 4–18, 2026)
With only two teams left standing, the battle for the ring begins. The Finals are played in a best-of-seven series and are the most anticipated sporting event of the year in the US, along with the Super Bowl.
Tickets for these games are the most expensive of the entire season and still sell out quickly.
When to travel to New York to enjoy the NBA?

Knowing all of the above, if you are traveling to the city before the regular season starts, i.e. during the preseason, I recommend checking the teams' preseason schedule as they usually play friendly matches in early October.
However, NBA games taking place in New York are only guaranteed between October and April. From then on, it will all depend on whether the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets have managed to qualify for the playoffs and ultimately for the NBA finals.
Do children pay admission to NBA games?

The NBA is a very family-friendly event, but when it comes to whether children pay admission, the truth is that it depends on each team. In the case of the New York Knicks, Madison Square Garden policy states that children who are two years old or older must have their own ticket.
As for the Brooklyn Nets, according to the Barclays Center for all sporting events, children up to 34 inches tall, or 86.36 centimeters, can enter the Barclays Center for free but must share a seat with a ticketed adult who accompanies them. Any child who does not meet this height requirement will require a ticket to enter the stadium and must occupy only their seat with a ticket.
If you are going to the stadium with children under the age of two, bring proof of the children's age with you in case you are asked at the entrance. Valid forms of identification are a birth certificate or passport.
Game day

When to go to the stadium?
NBA days in New York are special. You can feel it in the air, and there's more hustle and bustle than usual on the streets of the Big Apple. My advice is not to arrive too close to game time. Inside the stadium, there are fast food outlets, snack bars, and souvenir shops where you can browse while you wait, and you don't want to miss the national anthem.
Madison Square Garden is in the heart of Manhattan, so you can walk there if you're wandering around the area after seeing another nearby tourist attraction. However, to get to the Barclays Center, you'll need a little more time if you're taking public transportation, so it's a good idea to take traffic and rush hour into account so you can get to the stadium without rushing. Here is a guide to the New York subway system.
On game day, I recommend arriving at least an hour early so you can take your time, go through security, find your seats, soak up the atmosphere with the music and cheerleaders, listen to the national anthem before the game starts, and watch the players enter the court. It's like being in a movie!
Can I take backpacks or cameras into the stadium?
According to Madison Square Garden policy, backpacks or unnecessary bags are not recommended. All bags will be subject to strict security checks, which may delay entry to the stadium. In addition, video cameras, audio recording devices, professional cameras (including telephoto or zoom lenses), selfie sticks, and tripods are not permitted.
As for the Barclays Center, according to its access policy, backpacks or bags larger than 14"x14"x6" or with hard sides will not be allowed. Professional camera equipment, audio and/or video recording devices, selfie sticks, and tripods are also not permitted.
Where to eat before or after the game?
There are many food and drink stands inside the stadium, but prices are significantly higher than outside. For example, a bottle of water can cost around $5, a hot dog around $7, and a soft drink around $6.50.
Since you are not allowed to bring your own food or drinks into the stadium, my advice is to buy something to eat at one of the restaurants around Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center, such as Shake Sack or Five Guys, before the game starts if you are hungry. Or wait until the game is over to go there, celebrate your team's victory, and treat yourself.
Useful information for watching the NBA

Although the NBA is one of the most popular sports in the world, last-minute questions can always arise.
How long does an NBA game last?
Officially, it lasts 48 minutes (four 12-minute quarters), but between breaks, timeouts, and halftime, most games usually last two hours or more. After the first two quarters, there is a 15-minute break where you can buy something to eat or go to the bathroom.
I don't have an internet connection in New York! How do I access my tickets?
If you don't have an internet connection during your trip to New York, you can always use the internet at your hotel to open your tickets so they are ready on your phone when you arrive at the venue. You can also go to any public place such as a café or restaurant near the stadium, as they have free WiFi.