Exclusive: Sports ticket prices soar as teams chase premium clientele
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Sports ticket prices rose significantly more than inflation across leagues over the past 10 years, with premium seats skyrocketing, according to data that ticketing platform Gametime shared with Axios.
Why it matters: Going to a game is becoming increasingly unaffordable for some fans, even as demand continues to drive premium pricing.
- Meanwhile, teams are building new stadiums with fewer seats and more luxury amenities.
By the numbers: Average NFL ticket prices sold on Gametime nearly tripled from 2015 to 2025, up 173% after adjusting for inflation.
- Other sports with higher average prices include college football (+119%), MLB (+111%), NBA (+70%), NHL (+65%) and MLS (+22%).
Stunning stats: The most expensive ticket sold through Gametime was $35,165 in 2024 — a Super Bowl club seat on the 50-yard line. Four seats sold together for more than $140,000.
- Meanwhile, premium NBA tickets soared above $20,000 the last two years, and the MLB reached $17,170.
The intrigue: Stadiums are getting smaller and more luxurious, a 20-year trend that shows no signs of reversing course as new stadiums are proposed.
- The new Chiefs stadium is expected to have about 65,000 seats, roughly 15% fewer than Arrowhead. Earlier stadium renovation concepts from 2024 included more suites, clubs and VIP entrances.
Zoom in: The Royals point to discount ticket packages like Dollar Dog Night and the Fountain Pass and say ticket price increases have remained under inflation since 2022.
- Still, Sam Mellinger with the Royals says the expensive Crown Club seats tend to sell out the fastest.
- The Chiefs did not respond to Axios' request for comment.
What they're saying: "The teams have been on a trend of testing out higher prices," Brian Berry, executive director of the Ticket Policy Forum, tells Axios. "Leagues absolutely are interested in maximizing ticket revenue," which is their prerogative, he adds.
- Berry suggests fans wait for resale tickets to come down a month after they go on sale, but says that high-demand games are going to stay expensive.
Between the lines: Berry points to recently published data from Sports Fans Coalition, which analyzed more than 57 million tickets and found resale tickets save fans across leagues an average of 37% compared to face value.
- Ticketmaster, which Investopedia says controls over 70% of the ticketing and live events market, states on its website that face value prices are set by the event organizers, like teams.
What we're watching: Demand for Super Bowl tickets dipped on Monday due to increased inventory and lack of star power on the field, Axios' Maxwell Millington writes.
- Yeah, but the average price for a ticket is still more than $8,000.