Los Angeles Lakers season-ticket holders are facing substantial price increases for the 2026-27 season, the first major financial decision under new owner Mark Walter, according to documentation obtained by ESPN and confirmed by the team.
The increases range significantly depending on seat location. One season-ticket holder in the 300 level saw the price of their seats jump from $6,192 in the 2025-26 season to $9,035 for 2026-27, a 45.9% increase. This follows a 12.7% increase in the previous renewal cycle. Another holder reported a 14% increase on seats in their section, with an additional 3% administrative fee for invoices not paid in full at the start of the billing cycle.
The Lakers confirmed the price adjustments in a statement to ESPN on Saturday, stating the updates “reflect the current market landscape and demand.”
The price hikes come as Walter, who acquired the franchise for $10 billion, seeks a return on his investment. The move echoes a strategy employed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, another of Walter’s sports holdings, which recently set a franchise record for attendance en route to a second consecutive World Series championship. The Dodgers drew 4,012,470 fans during the 2025 regular season.
Through the first 26 home games of the 2025-26 season, the Lakers have maintained a high occupancy rate, averaging 18,877 fans per game at Crypto.com Arena, which has a full capacity of 18,910, representing 99.8% occupancy, according to ESPN Research.
Concurrent with the ticket price announcement, longtime Lakers president of business operations Tim Harris announced he will step down at the end of the current season. He will be replaced by Lon Rosen, currently the Dodgers’ executive vice president and chief marketing officer.
In an email to season-ticket holders announcing the price increases, Harris highlighted the team’s current roster, stating, “The Lakers are iconic. Expectations are always high…Every season is about earning another title.” He specifically praised the contributions of Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, noting Dončić’s impact on the game, James’ longevity, and Reaves’ potential. Harris also credited the team’s coaching staff, led by JJ Redick, for creating a compelling product, describing it as “complete basketball” and “a combination of talent and leadership.”
