New York Knicks Playoff Run Could Jolt NYC Economy By Over $1 Billion

The New York Knicks are in the midst of the franchise’s first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years. No matter how the rest of the NBA Playoffs shake out, the city has already seen tremendous benefits from the team’s deep postseason run. 

Knicks Playoff Run Could Drive Over $1 Billion In Economic Impact

From packed sports bars to soaring hotel bookings and surging subway ridership, New York’s economy is experiencing a ripple effect that is proving to be a slam dunk for local businesses. 

According to Mayor Eric Adams and the NYC Economic Development Corporation, the Knicks have already driven $195 million in economic activity but that number could eclipse $1 billion if the Knicks win the NBA Finals. If the Knicks play the maximum number of home games over the next two rounds,  the economic impact is expected to reach $832 million but the franchise’s first NBA Finals win since 1973 could push that mark over $1 billion.

For reference, the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 Super Bowl run generated an estimated economic impact of $1.2 billion for local businesses. 

NBA Finals Win Could Make The Knicks The NBA’s Most Valuable Team

From here on out, every additional home playoff game is expected to add at least $91 million in local spending. But local businesses aren’t the only companies expected to cash in if the Knicks win it all. 

The New York Knicks entered the season as the second-most valuable franchise in the NBA behind only the Golden State Warriors. According to Forbes, the Knicks are valued at approximately $7.5 billion, despite having one of the longest championship droughts in professional sports. New York hasn’t won an NBA Championship in 52 years but bringing home the Larry O’Brien Trophy could propel the Knicks to the top of the list. 

In 2019, the Toronto Raptors were valued at $1.675 billion, but since winning their first NBA title, that number jumped by 168%. That’s despite making just two playoff appearances over the past six seasons. Now valued at $4.5 billion, the Raptors are among the NBA’s most valuable teams, ranking 11th on the list, according to Forbes.

While the Knicks trail the Warriors by a considerable margin ($1.3 billion) for the top spot, New York could close the gap over the next few seasons, especially with the Warriors title window expected to close in the near future. 

Knicks’ NBA Title Could Also Save MSG Network

An NBA title win would reward decades of loyalty from the league’s most ionate fan base and mark a turning point for both the franchise and its home network.

Earlier this season, CNBC reported that MSG Networks, which airs NY Knicks games, was navigating financial turmoil with a reported $829 million in debt on its balance sheet. 

MSG Networks signed a 20-year deal with the Knicks and Rangers to air local games in 2015. However, the network went dark on cable TV distributor Altice USA in early January and could face further losses due to the NBA’s new media rights deal, which kicks off next season. 

But that could all change dramatically if the Knicks win the NBA title. The victory could force cable networks back to the negotiating table or force Knicks fans to sign up for MSG’s affordable $29.99 streaming option.