Spurs explain why ticket sales are limited to local fans

How it works: Customers buying seats through Ticketmaster, the team's official ticketing platform, will see a disclaimer about the restriction.

• Residency is determined by the billing address tied to the buyer's credit card, according to the ticket notice. Orders placed by customers outside the 150-mile radius are subject to cancellation and refund.

What they're saying: Kaneb says the policy is also intended to "protect against mass purchases by ticket brokers from outside our market," noting that other NBA teams use similar methods.

• "Our local fans have supported and embraced our team for over five decades in San Antonio," she says. "It's important to our organization to recognize and celebrate their continued commitment to our team, throughout the wins, losses and everything in between."

Yes, but: Secondary resale platforms may not follow the same policy, widening the pool of potential buyers — while also increasing the risk of fraudulent sales or delayed ticket transfers.