1999 NBA Finals rematch, how do 2026 ticket prices compare with 1999?

• The San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks NBA Finals series begins on Wednesday, June 3.
• This guide compares ticket prices between the NBA Finals in 1999 to now and details the prices for every game of the upcoming 2026 NBA Finals.

The NBA Finals begin Wednesday, June 3. It's been 27 years since the New York Knicks last reached the NBA Finals, when they played, you guessed it, the San Antonio Spurs.

Given the excitement and longing surrounding the Knicks, tickets for the 2026 NBA Finals are in short supply, and that's reflected in the prices. It got us thinking—how much did various items cost in 1999?

Well, for starters, gas was around $1.22 per gallon while a movie ticket was around $5 to see some of the top titles like Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace or Toy Story 2. Almost makes me wish I was born a few years earlier!

SHOP:San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks NBA Finals tickets

Needless to say, times have changed and prices aren't what they used to be. The real question is, how do ticket prices for the NBA Finals between the Spurs and Knicks compare to 1999?

Well, the answer may surprise you. Check out our findings below and how to buy the cheapest tickets to this year's NBA Finals between the Knicks and the Spurs.

How much were Game 1 NBA Finals tickets in 1999?

Game 1 of the NBA Finals in 1999 between the Spurs and Knicks was held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, and ticket prices to get into the event started at only $15.

Now 27 years later, a ticket to Game 1 on Wednesday starts at $801. Safe to say, $15 can almost cover a hot dog, fries and water now!

How much were New York Knicks NBA Finals tickets in 1999?

As astronomical as Knicks NBA Finals tickets are this year, 1999 was fairly affordable in comparison.

Court side seats only cost $2,700, which is a bargain considering get-in prices at Madison Square Garden start at $5,005 for Game 4. Anyone have that lying around in their couch?

2026 NBA Finals tickets vs. 2025 NBA Finals tickets

This year features two different teams in the NBA Finals compared to last year's Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers matchup.

Last season, according to our archives, Game 1 tickets in Oklahoma City cost around $825, which is virtually the same as the $801 get-in price in San Antonio this year. The biggest change in price between the higher-seeded teams was Game 7, which saw tickets in OKC priced at $2,616 versus $4,254 for the hypothetical game in San Antonio.

Game 3, Game 4 and Game 6 tickets are considerably more expensive this season, in large part due to the Knicks being in the New York market. Game 3 tickets for the Pacers last season was only $797 compared to the $5,121 get-in price for Knicks vs. Spurs on Monday, June 8.

San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks NBA Finals schedule

As the team with the better regular-season record, the Spurs have home court advantage throughout the NBA Finals and will host Game 1, Game 2, a potential Game 5* and a potential Game 7*. The Knicks will be home for Game 3 and Game 4, before potentially hosting a Game 6*.

Spurs vs. Knicks 2026 NBA Finals tickets

Get ready for NBA Finals action near you! Shop tickets now

• Game 1 in San Antonio - Wednesday, June 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $801
• Game 2 in San Antonio - Friday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $1,227
• Game 3 in New York - Monday, June 8 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $5,121
• Game 4 in New York - Wednesday, June 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $5,005
• Game 5* in San Antonio - Saturday, June 13 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $1,863
• Game 6* in New York - Tuesday, June 16 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $5,652
• Game 7* in San Antonio - Sunday, June 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $4,254

San Antonio Spurs NBA Finals tickets

• Game 1 in San Antonio - Wednesday, June 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $801
• Game 2 in San Antonio - Friday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $1,227
• Game 5* in San Antonio - Saturday, June 13 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $1,863
• Game 7* in San Antonio - Sunday, June 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $4,254

New York Knicks NBA Finals tickets

• Game 3 in New York - Monday, June 8 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $5,121
• Game 4 in New York - Wednesday, June 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $5,005
• Game 6* in New York - Tuesday, June 16 at 8:30 p.m. ET - Shop tickets starting at $5,652

* = if necessary

When do the NBA Finals start?

Game 1 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3 in San Antonio. Tickets for the game start at $801, making it the cheapest ticket of the entire series.