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
| Rank | Arena | NBA Team | Location | Original Construction Costs | Renovation Costs | Total Construction Cost (Inflation Adjusted) |
| 1 | Madison Square Garden | New York Knicks | New York, NY | $100 million (1968) | $1.1 billion (2013) | $2.4 billion |
| 2 | Intuit Dome | Los Angeles Clippers | Inglewood, CA | $2 billion (2024) | – | $2 billion |
| 3 | Chase Center | Golden State Warriors | San Francisco, CA | $1.4 billion (2019) | – | $1.7 billion |
| 4 | Barclays Center | Brooklyn Nets | Brooklyn, NY | $1 billion (2012) | – | $1.4 billion |
| 5 | Little Caesars Arena | Detroit Pistons | Detroit, MI | $862.9 million (2017) | $18 million (2021) | $1.1 billion |
| 6 | Kia Center | Orlando Magic | Orlando, FL | $480 million (2008) | $226 million (2024) | $927.2 million |
| 7 | Wells Fargo Center | Philadelphia 76ers | Philadelphia, PA | $210 million (1996) | $400 million (2024) | $821 million |
| 8 | Toyota Center | Houston Rockets | Houston, TX | $440 million (2003) | $30 million (2023) | $783.1 million |
| 9 | American Airlines Center | Dallas Mavericks | Dallas, TX | $420 million (2001) | $20 million (2023) | $766.6 million |
| 10 | Crypto.com Arena | Los Angeles Kings | Los Angeles, CA | $375 million (2009) | $16 million (2023) | $566.3 million |
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