Lakers Drastically Increase Ticket Prices for 2026-2027

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially confirmed a significant ticket price increase for the 2026-2027 NBA season, just months after the franchise’s acquisition by Mark Walter for a valuation of 10 billion dollars. This decision marks the first tangible sign of the return on investment sought by the new owner.

Increases Reaching Nearly 50% in Certain Sections

Season ticket holders received their renewal forms this week, revealing particularly significant price increases. Rob Perez, an online basketball personality, detailed on X the costs he will have to bear, mentioning a 14% increase for his section and additional 3% administrative fees if the bill is not paid in full upfront.

Another season ticket holder, with seats at the 300 level, contacted ESPN to document an even larger increase. The price of their seats went from 6,192 dollars in 2025-2026 to 9,035 dollars for 2026-2027, a 45.9% increase compared to a 12.7% increase during the last renewal cycle.

The Lakers confirmed these price increases in a statement provided to ESPN: « We are adjusting season ticket prices for next season. The updates reflect the current market landscape and demand. »

A Strategy Inspired by the Dodgers’ Success

This pricing policy follows the continuity of Walter’s management with the Los Angeles Dodgers, his other professional team in the city. The Dodgers set a franchise record in terms of attendance last season with 4,012,470 fans during the regular season, on their way to a second consecutive World Series championship.

The Lakers currently maintain an average attendance of 18,877 spectators during the first 26 home games of the 2025-2026 season, according to ESPN Research. The Crypto.com Arena website indicates a total capacity of 18,910 seats for a Lakers game, which means their seats are 99.8% occupied.

These price increases were announced as Tim Harris, longtime president of business operations, announced he would leave his position at the end of the season. He will be replaced by Lon Rosen, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of the Dodgers for over a decade, already designated to take Harris’s place.