$176,000 for a NBA final ticket: How watching sports became a luxury pastime

The rising cost of attending live sports events has made it a luxury pastime for many. A recent example is the $176,000 price tag for a single ticket to the NBA finals, rivalling the cost of attending high-profile music events like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. This trend is not limited to basketball, as ticket prices for major soccer events like the World Cup and cricket matches like the IPL have also seen significant hikes. Corporate ticket buying has become a major trend, with companies using sports events as a way to entertain clients or reward employees. Venues like Madison Square Garden in New York City are at the centre of this action.