In Los Angeles, the first sign of the new era arrived directly in season-ticket holders’ inboxes. The Los Angeles Lakers announced a substantial ticket price increase for the 2026-27 seasonwith hikes in some sections approaching 46%.
A move many view as the first concrete step by new owner Mark Walter to begin recouping the $10 billion investment used to acquire the franchise.
14% Increase (Plus 3% Fees) – and Cases of +45.9%
The first figures were made public by content creator Rob Perezwho explained on social media that in his section the increase will be 14%with an additional 3% administrative fee if the balance is not paid in full at the time the invoice is issued.
But the most striking example comes from a longtime season-ticket holder in the 300 level, who shared documentation of the hike:
- 2024-25: $5,494
- 2025-26: $6,192
- 2026-27: $9,035
The jump from the previous season is 45.9%compared to a 12.7% increase during the prior renewal cycle.
The franchise officially confirmed the pricing revision in a statement:
We are adjusting season-ticket prices for next season. The updates reflect the current market landscape and the level of demand.
Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena Nearly Always Sold Out
The numbers, after all, appear to support the organization’s decision. Through the first 26 home games of the 2025-26 season, the Lakers have averaged 18,877 fans.
The official NBA capacity at Crypto.com Arena is 18,910 seats, meaning a 99.8% occupancy rate. In other words, virtually sold out every night.
A figure that reinforces the team’s stance: as long as demand remains this high, there is room to raise prices.
The Dodgers Model and Walter’s Strategy
Walter is no stranger to this type of approach. With the Los Angeles Dodgersanother of his properties, the franchise set a record last season with more than 4 million regular-season attendees, culminating in a second consecutive World Series title.
The strategy appears clear: maximize the brand’s valuecapitalize on its appeal and convert on-court success into economic growth.
The Letter to Season-Ticket Holders: Doncic, LeBron and Reaves at the Core
The announcement of the increases came shortly after news that longtime president of business operations Tim Harris will step down at the end of the season. He will be replaced by longtime Dodgers executive Lon Rosen.
In the email sent to subscribers, Harris strongly emphasized the technical and symbolic value of the roster, explicitly naming:
- Luka Doncic
- LeBron James
- Austin Reaves
Luka is shaping the present and future of the game in real time, with vision and control every night. LeBron continues to define what longevity, excellence and leadership mean in this league. Austin has no limits: his dedication is total.
Tim Harris
The price goes up because the product is elite. And with a team guided by the basketball mind of JJ Redickeach game is presented as a premium spectacle.
Business or Risk?
From a financial standpoint, the decision aligns with a saturated market and extremely high demand.
From the fans’ perspective, the issue is more delicate: a nearly 46% increase in a single year risks turning the Lakers experience into an increasingly inaccessible luxury.
The question now is simple: how much will the public be willing to pay to experience the purple and gold show live?
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