Jan 9, 2026
·Max Meyer
Live NBA games are pure magic, with dunks that make your jaw drop, buzzer-beaters that have the whole arena on its feet and the unmistakable energy that no highlight reel can capture. The best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune to be part of the action. With the right know-how, you can grab affordable tickets that get you close enough to feel every dribble, pass, and slam dunk.
In this guide, we’ll show you the top sites for budget-friendly NBA tickets and share insider tips so you can score the best seats without emptying your wallet.
Ranking the Best Places to Buy Cheap NBA Tickets
The key to finding affordable NBA tickets is knowing where to look, and which sites actually help you spot value instead of just listing prices. Here’s our ranking of the best places to buy budget-friendly NBA tickets, based on pricing tools, transparency and overall ease of use.
1. SeatGeek – Best Overall for Cheap NBA Tickets
SeatGeek is the top choice for fans who want to stretch their ticket budget without cutting corners.
Why SeatGeek is the best option:
Deal Score highlights value instantly: Every ticket is graded based on price, seat location and historical trends. A $60 corner seat might be a better deal than a $45 upper-baseline ticket because the view is far superior.
All-in pricing: See the total cost upfront, including fees—no surprises at checkout.
Flexible browsing: Filter by price, section or number of tickets, and use interactive seat maps to compare views quickly.
Buyer Guarantee: Every ticket is protected, giving peace of mind even when hunting for the lowest prices.
From upper-level steals to under-the-radar lower-bowl deals, SeatGeek makes affordable NBA tickets easy to find.
2. TickPick – No Fees, Smaller Selection
TickPick stands out by eliminating service fees, which can make tickets appear cheaper than on other platforms. For fans who prioritize price above all else, this can be appealing.
The downside is inventory. TickPick typically offers fewer listings than SeatGeek, which can limit choices—especially if you’re shopping for specific sections, popular teams, or multiple seats together.
3. StubHub – Plenty of Options, Less Price Clarity
StubHub has a massive resale marketplace and is often a go-to for NBA fans searching for tickets across all price ranges.
However, finding truly affordable tickets can take more effort. Prices and fees vary widely, and without a value-scoring system like SeatGeek’s Deal Score, it’s harder to quickly tell which listings are actually good deals.
4. Vivid Seats – Frequent Inventory, Higher Final Cost
Vivid Seats regularly lists tickets for most NBA games and includes a buyer guarantee similar to other major marketplaces.
While base prices can look competitive, service fees often push the final cost higher than expected. For fans shopping strictly on price, this can make it harder to stay within budget.
5. Ticketmaster – Official Source, Limited Budget Options
As the primary ticketing partner for many NBA teams, Ticketmaster is a trusted platform for buying tickets directly from the source.
That said, affordable options can be harder to find—especially for high-demand games. Resale tickets often come at a premium, and there’s no built-in tool to help compare value across listings the way SeatGeek does.
Tips for Finding Cheap NBA Tickets on SeatGeek
If your goal is spending less while still getting into the building, these tips can help:
1. Sort by Deal Score Instead of Chasing the Lowest Price
The cheapest ticket isn’t always the best deal. SeatGeek’s Deal Score ranks listings based on location, historical pricing, and current demand. Sometimes spending a few dollars more gives you a much better view.
2. Focus on Upper-Bowl Sidelines and Corner Sections
Not all upper-level seats are equal. Sidelines in the upper bowl offer a centered view of the court, while corners balance sightlines and cost better than midcourt upper-level seats. Baseline or extreme-corner seats may be cheaper but can limit depth perception. Use interactive seat maps to compare views before buying.
3. Prioritize Weekday and Non-Marquee Matchups
Tuesday and Wednesday games often have lower attendance than weekends, which usually means cheaper tickets. Smaller-market matchups or teams without superstar players are often easier on the wallet. Flexibility can pay off big.
4. Track Prices in the Days and Hours Leading Up to Tipoff
Ticket prices fluctuate as game day approaches. Sellers may drop prices to avoid holding unsold tickets, especially for midweek games. SeatGeek updates listings in real time, so monitoring trends can help you catch a last-minute bargain.
5. Set Alerts and Use Filters
SeatGeek makes it easy to stay on top of the best deals with custom alerts and smart filters. You can set notifications for specific sections, rows or price ranges, so you’ll be alerted the moment tickets that fit your budget hit the market. Filters also let you narrow your search by seat location, quantity and even Deal Score, ensuring you don’t waste time scrolling past overpriced options.
Buy Your Next NBA Game Tickets With SeatGeek
Affordable NBA tickets are easier to find than many fans think. By using SeatGeek’s Deal Score, interactive seat maps and real-time pricing updates, you can spend less while still sitting in great spots.
Whether it’s a weekday game, a non-rival matchup or a mid-level seat in the upper bowl, SeatGeek makes it simple to enjoy live basketball without overspending. Start your search today and score the best value seats for your next NBA experience.
📁 Categories: NBA