Photo credit: LeBron James (Instagram)
The LeBron James 76ers ticket prices are climbing rapidly after the basketball superstar announced his move to Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ preseason home debut against the Boston Celtics has become one of the most expensive preseason games on the market. The price increase follows James’ decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and join the team.
According to secondary ticket marketplace TickPick, fans are paying significantly more for a chance to see James begin his new chapter in Philadelphia.
LeBron James 76ers debut drives ticket demand
The “get-in” price for the 76ers preseason matchup on October 16 is currently $165 on the secondary market.
That price represents a 142% increase compared with the average purchase price for a 76ers regular season home game during the 2025-26 season. The average regular season ticket cost was $68, according to TickPick.
Some non-premium tickets for the preseason game have climbed as high as $589.
Meanwhile, most other NBA preseason games scheduled for October have much lower prices. Several games feature tickets below $100, while some are available for around $30.
The “LeBron Effect” impacts Philadelphia ticket sales
Industry experts say the increase reflects what has become known as the “LeBron Effect.”
Brett Goldberg, co-CEO of TickPick, said LeBron James has consistently driven ticket demand throughout his career.
“When he joins a new team, ticket prices spike,” Goldberg said.
Goldberg explained that James’ move to Philadelphia could create even higher demand because fans know his career is approaching its final years. As a result, many supporters want to see him play while they still have the opportunity.
76ers home games expected to become more expensive
Goldberg predicted that average ticket prices for 76ers home games could increase by about 40% during the upcoming season.
The expected rise comes as Philadelphia prepares for increased attention surrounding James’ arrival.
The NBA is expected to release the full 2026-27 regular season schedule in mid-August. Once the schedule becomes available, fans will know when James will face other top teams around the league.
LeBron James begins new NBA chapter in Philadelphia
James announced his decision to join the 76ers after spending several seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The veteran star described the move as a major career decision and said he wanted another opportunity to compete for an NBA championship.
James signed a two-year contract worth $8 million with a player option. The deal represents a major salary reduction compared with previous earnings.
Despite the pay cut, James remains one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. He also has an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion.
Fans prepare for limited chances to see LeBron play
James has built one of the biggest fan followings in sports history during his more than two-decade NBA career.
Now, his arrival in Philadelphia has created a new wave of excitement among basketball fans.
With fewer opportunities expected to watch James in the later stages of his career, demand for tickets is rising across the league.
The 76ers’ preseason opener could become the first major example of how much impact LeBron James continues to have both on the court and in the business of basketball.
Source: Forbes
About the Author
