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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

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