• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, June 4, 2025

The Most Expensive NBA Arenas by Total Construction Cost

  • Madison Square Garden tops the list.
  • The top five arenas cost over $1 billion when adjusted for inflation.
Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; General view during pre game introductions before a game between the New York Knicks and the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

In a world of multi-billion dollar franchise valuations and massive media rights deals, NBA teams are investing in state-of-the-art arenas to elevate the fan experience.

When Madison Square Garden opened in 1968, the price tag for constructing the premier landmark in Manhattan was $100 million.

Today, new arenas are being built for no less than $1 billion. Five stadiums have crossed the billion-dollar threshold in total construction costs, including the venerable home of the Knicks.

Madison Square Garden is the most expensive NBA arena in total construction costs, coming in at $2.4 billion in inflation adjusted dollars spent in original construction and renovation costs.

MSG was one of the first arenas designed to host both sporting events and concerts. It’s also the oldest NBA arena still in use today.

In 2013, a $1.1 billion renovation project was completed. The project added modern features such as two sky bridges that offered fans unique views of the action alongside upgraded lighting systems. 

New York’s budget for renovations was bolstered thanks to at least $875 million saved from tax breaks based on a deal set up with the city in 1982.

Intuit Dome ranks second on the list in total construction costs at $2 billion in inflation adjusted dollars. 

The Clippers’ new home opened its doors in Inglewood, CA in August. It only trails the neighboring SoFi Stadium in terms of the most expensive stadium or arena ever constructed.

Intuit Dome features over 300 electric vehicle charging stations, 199 game clocks, and a 38,375 square foot Halo Board made up of 200 million LEDs.

Despite delays in its official opening for a Bruno Mars concert, Intuit Dome will be ready for its NBA premiere.

If the Celtics do sell for a record fee, it will put increasing upward pressure on owners to spend billions on new arenas.

Teams like the Magic, sixth in total construction costs at $927.2 million, may opt to renovate their existing arenas, but not at much of a discount. They will still spend hundreds of millions to renovate their 16-year-old arena.

Ranking The Most Expensive NBA Arenas to Build

Here is the full list of the most expensive NBA arenas, adjusted for inflation, compiled with historical cost reports from the New York Times, Newsweek, and more.

  • Updated: August 18, 2024
RankArenaNBA TeamLocationOriginal Construction CostsRenovation CostsTotal Construction Cost (Inflation Adjusted)
1Madison Square GardenNew York KnicksNew York, NY$100 million (1968)$1.1 billion (2013)$2.4 billion
2Intuit DomeLos Angeles ClippersInglewood, CA$2 billion (2024)$2 billion
3Chase CenterGolden State WarriorsSan Francisco, CA$1.4 billion (2019)$1.7 billion
4Barclays CenterBrooklyn NetsBrooklyn, NY$1 billion (2012)$1.4 billion
5Little Caesars ArenaDetroit PistonsDetroit, MI$862.9 million (2017)$18 million (2021)$1.1 billion
6Kia CenterOrlando MagicOrlando, FL$480 million (2008)$226 million (2024)$927.2 million
7Wells Fargo CenterPhiladelphia 76ersPhiladelphia, PA$210 million (1996)$400 million (2024)$821 million
8Toyota CenterHouston RocketsHouston, TX$440 million (2003)$30 million (2023)$783.1 million
9American Airlines CenterDallas MavericksDallas, TX$420 million (2001)$20 million (2023)$766.6 million
10Crypto.com ArenaLos Angeles KingsLos Angeles, CA$375 million (2009)$16 million (2023)$566.3 million

Related lists:

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

LeBron James

Adam Silver: All-Star Game Will Be USA vs. World in Daytime Event

The NBA tried a tournament last year that fell in ratings.
Dec 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

NBA Finals Ticket Prices Down 25%, Still Average Over $1,000

The NBA Finals tip off Thursday in Oklahoma City.
Thibs

Knicks Fire Tom Thibodeau in Stunner After Deep Playoff Run

Thibodeau led the Knicks to four playoff appearances in five seasons.

NBA Playoff Ratings Up 3%, Pacers-Knicks G6 Sets Postseason High

The Thunder and Pacers face off in the NBA Finals starting Thursday.

Featured Today

May 27, 2015; Paris, France; Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO) knocks the clay off her shoe during her match against Simona Halep (ROU) on day four of the French Open at Roland Garros

Roland-Garros’s Iconic Red-Clay Surface Is a Precise Alchemy

The exact science behind maintaining the French Open’s red clay.
Alex Jensen introductory press conference on Monday, March 17, 2025.
June 3, 2025

Alex Jensen Started Utah Utes HC Job While Still Coaching the Mavs

How Jensen began building an NCAA program while patrolling the Dallas sideline.
May 31, 2025

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.
May 30, 2025

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
Soccer

Chicago Stars Aren’t Asking for Taxpayer Stadium Money—Yet

A unique new law will compel Illinois lawmakers to consider women’s teams.
June 2, 2025

Bears Suburban Stadium Deal Inching Forward Despite Cost Questions

State legislators discussed a Bears-friendly bill, but ran out of time.
June 3, 2025

While Bears and White Sox Stall, Chicago Fire Make Stadium Move

The proposed $650 million stadium will be privately financed.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A general view of Soldier Field before a game between the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks
May 30, 2025

Pritzker Was a Hard ‘No’ on Bears Stadium. Now Maybe Not

The state spent $100,000 on a legal consultant.
May 30, 2025

Chiefs, Royals Stadium Plans Hit Political Wall As Both Parties Say No

Both Republicans and Democrats in Missouri oppose public funding for stadiums.
Feb 14, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of the Kansas City Royals 1985 and 2015 World Series championships on the scoreboard at Kauffman Stadium at the Truman Sports Complex.
May 28, 2025

Chiefs, Royals Stadium Public Funding Standoff Nears Endgame

Missouri legislators will review stadium bonds for the Chiefs and Royals.
U.S. Women's Golf
May 27, 2025

U.S Women’s Open Will Play on Courses Once Reserved for Men

Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin is hosting this week’s tournament.