Record-Breaking Ticket Prices for the World Series
The upcoming World Series featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees is set to become a historic event, particularly when it comes to ticket prices. As of Tuesday evening, the lowest single tickets available for Game 1 in Los Angeles and Game 3 in New York are priced between $1,100 and $1,300 on StubHub’s resale market. By 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, the average ticket price for this year’s World Series soared to an impressive $1,667 on the resale platform.
In comparison, the average ticket price was $884 in 2023 and $1,303 in 2022. “From a demand perspective and the current trajectory of sales, this is on track to be the best-selling World Series in StubHub’s history,” stated Adam Budelli, a spokesperson for StubHub. Budelli noted that this year’s sales have already surpassed those of last year’s matchup between the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Current sales figures are four times higher than at the same point for the 2022 World Series and double that of the 2021 World Series.
This surge in sales can largely be attributed to the teams involved. “We are witnessing the power of two iconic and immensely passionate fan bases,” Budelli explained. This event is shaping up to be one of the priciest World Series since 2016, a year that showcased two championship-hungry rivals, the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians. During that series, the median ticket price on StubHub for the three games in Chicago exceeded $3,000, according to ESPN.
The fervor of Yankees and Dodgers fans, who hail from the two largest cities in the United States, contributes significantly to the high demand. Additionally, the storied history of postseason matchups between these two teams adds to the excitement. The anticipation surrounding likely MVPs Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, both superstars of the sport, further elevates the stakes. The Yankees have not appeared in the World Series since 2009, while the Dodgers last claimed the championship in 2020, albeit in a neutral Texas venue with limited attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This combination of factors creates an optimal environment for soaring ticket prices.
Comparing Prices to Other Major Sporting Events
While comparing ticket prices across different sports can be challenging—given that the Super Bowl is a single game and NBA arenas typically accommodate fewer fans—it’s worth noting that Dodgers and Yankees fans are experiencing a more favorable situation compared to those supporting the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. This year, the average ticket for the Super Bowl went for a staggering $8,278 on StubHub. In contrast, tickets to the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks averaged $1,863, while the recently concluded WNBA Finals tickets averaged a mere $163.
When to Buy Tickets
Due to the unprecedented demand for tickets, it is unlikely that prices will decrease after the first pitch, as is often seen during the regular season. “In my experience with the World Series and other marquee events, many fans tend to hold out for last-minute deals. However, prices often increase during the final moments due to the high volume of buyers and the limited ticket availability,” Budelli cautioned. He advises prospective buyers to limit their ticket purchases—opting for a single ticket is usually more economical than searching for a group of six. Additionally, he recommends purchasing tickets from reputable sources and avoiding cash transactions to minimize the risk of falling victim to ticket scams.
Ultimately, buyers should brace themselves for a competitive ticket market. “I certainly wouldn’t expect to see a significant drop in ticket prices,” Budelli concluded.
Required Reading
- Yankees, Dodgers to square off in World Series: 5 storylines to watch
- MLB World Series odds: Will Dodgers or Yankees be crowned in Fall Classic? Plus, MVP and player props
- Yankees vs. Dodgers: Get ready for an ‘epic’ World Series with so much to savor
(Photo: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)
