• Loading stock data...
Friday, November 8, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

Warriors Missing Playoffs Has Big-Money Consequences

  • Golden State can hit nine-figure revenues from playoff ticket sales.
  • The team also draws major TV audiences for the NBA.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Warriors’ season ended Tuesday night as they fell to the Kings 118-94 in a play-in game. The Kings will face the Pelicans Friday for the right to face the No. 1 seed Thunder in the playoffs.

While it wasn’t expected that the Warriors would shock the gauntlet that is the Western Conference, it’s a disappointing way to go for the dimmed dynasty, from both a basketball and financial standpoint. Any Warriors playoff run is an enormous profit engine, both for the team and the league. And that tap getting turned off comes just as the Warriors have huge bills coming due.

The Warriors are the league’s most valuable franchise, sitting at $7.7 billion. The team makes more than $4 million in ticket sales with each regular season game (about a million dollars more than the next highest teams), and surpassed $100 million during the run to the 2022 Finals before the NBA took its piece (roughly double their championship opponent, the Boston Celtics, who are not exactly lacking a loyal fanbase), Sportico reported. Home playoff revenue sat at roughly $130 million in 2016, $95 million in 2017, and $130 million in 2018, according to The Athletic.

With last night’s game in Sacramento, the Warriors won’t even get one home playoff game for only the third time in the past 12 seasons.

This loss of revenue is hitting at the same time as massive payouts will be heading out the door. The Warriors have the most expensive roster in the league, and broke a record at the start of the season for having the biggest payroll in NBA history with $208.2 million, according to Forbes. A huge luxury tax payment is coming in June, with Spotrac currently projecting their tax bill at more than $176 million. Some offseason maneuvering last year means that they may avoid the tax entirely in 2024-25 after huge bills the last two years; Klay Thompson, who makes $43.2 million annually and went scoreless in Tuesday’s game, will enter free agency this offseason.

The Warriors’ early exit is also unfortunate for the NBA, which has historically gotten a ratings boost from the team’s runs.

Before the Lakers’ win and the Warriors’ loss, there was a possibility the two could meet again in the Play-In Tournament, after their 2021 play-in matchup averaged 5.62 million viewers. Last season, the Warriors and Kings drew the biggest first-round audience in 21 years with 7.5 million viewers on ABC. Golden State advanced to play the Lakers, and drew 7.4 million viewers in Game 1—the most-watched West semifinal game ever on cable, and the most-watched conference semifinal game in more than a decade. Finals viewership dipped without the Warriors between their championship berths in 2019 and 2022.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Michael Jordan’s Team Loses Bid for Temporary Injunction Against NASCAR

The teams can still compete, but will miss out on certain guarantees.

NCAA Lifts Long-Standing Ban on Canadian Hockey League Players

A $600 monthly living stipend had kept players out of NCAA hockey.
DraftKings

DraftKings Lowers Full-Year Guidance After Brutal NFL Outcomes

DraftKings cited a tough start to the fourth quarter in lowering its 2024 guidance.
April 13, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Detail view of Anta shoes worn by Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the LA Clippers at Oracle Arena.

Nike and Adidas Are Losing Sportswear Share in China

Chinese brands like Anta and Li-Ning are taking Nike’s share of the market.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Joey Logano Talks NASCAR vs. F1, Pursuing Third Championship

0:00

Featured Today

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.

F1 Revenue Dips As Q3 Race Count Slips, but Big Changes Ahead

F1’s Q3 revenue dips slightly, but billion-dollar LVMH deal fuels optimism.
May 19, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of the chain and jersey of Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia (11) against the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning at Truist Park.
November 6, 2024

Braves Report Strong Quarter, but Still Face Media Uncertainty

Revenue rises for the high-performing MLB club as it awaits the outcome of Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy.
November 7, 2024

NASCAR Season Wraps Up With Major Momentum for 2025

Cup Series races this year have averaged 2.89 million viewers.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 6, 2024

McIlroy: Trump Could Help PGA Tour–LIV Golf Deal Discussions

The star golfer said Tuesday’s election results may benefit the fractured sport.
November 5, 2024

2024 NFL Trade Deadline More Active Than 2023

Several big-name players found new homes.
November 5, 2024

400 People Showed Up to WTA Saudi Final With $15 Million Purse

The WTA is in the first year of a three-year agreement with Saudi Arabia.
November 5, 2024

2024 NFL Trade Deadline Live Updates: Lattimore Bolsters Commanders Defense

The 2024 NFL Trade Deadline is at 4:00. Which teams have added talent and salary?