Dallas Mavericks Raise Ticket Prices After Luka Dončić Trade, Sparking Fan Outrage
The Dallas Mavericks have announced an average increase of 8.61% in season ticket prices for the upcoming 2025-2026 NBA season, just one month after trading franchise superstar Luka Dončić. This decision has ignited a wave of backlash from fans already reeling from the departure of one of the league’s brightest stars.
The Mavericks’ front office cited “ongoing investments in the team and fan engagement” as the primary reasons behind the price hike. In a statement released earlier this week, the team emphasized its commitment to enhancing the game-day experience, including upgraded arena facilities and expanded fan services. The organization also pointed out that full-season ticket holders would still benefit from savings between 15% to 23% compared to projected secondary market prices. Furthermore, around 4,200 seats per game are expected to remain priced below $40.
Despite these reassurances, the timing of the announcement has led to significant frustration among the fanbase. Dončić, who had been the face of the franchise since being drafted in 2018, was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster deal that sent shockwaves through the NBA. Fans were already disheartened by the loss of the four-time All-Star and MVP contender, and the ticket price increase has only added to their dismay.
Social media platforms were quickly flooded with negative reactions following the news. Many longtime season ticket holders expressed their intention to cancel their memberships, feeling that the team’s actions were a betrayal. “We lose our best player and the heart of this team, and now they expect us to pay more? It’s insulting,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). Others echoed similar sentiments, with hashtags like #BoycottMavs and #DončićForever trending in the aftermath of the announcement.
Adding to the frustration is the team’s on-court performance since the trade. Without Dončić’s playmaking and scoring prowess, the Mavericks have struggled to find consistency. The team currently holds a 6-6 record and sits in 10th place in the Western Conference standings, raising doubts about their playoff chances. Meanwhile, Dončić’s impact on his new team has been immediate and impressive — the Lakers have won 16 of their last 20 games and climbed to the fourth seed in the West. Dončić himself has been instrumental in that success, averaging near triple-double numbers and showcasing the elite talent Dallas fans had grown accustomed to.
The decision to increase ticket prices amid these circumstances is seen by many as a misstep by the Mavericks’ management. Analysts have questioned the wisdom of asking fans to pay more without the promise of a competitive product on the court. “It’s a tough sell,” said NBA analyst Marc Spears. “When you trade away a generational talent like Luka Dončić, you expect some growing pains. But raising prices without a clear vision for the team’s future is only going to alienate the fanbase further.”
Despite the backlash, the Mavericks remain optimistic about their long-term prospects. Team owner Mark Cuban has stated that the trade and subsequent moves are part of a larger rebuilding strategy aimed at creating a sustainable contender. However, with fan confidence at an all-time low and ticket prices climbing, the organization faces an uphill battle in winning back the support of its loyal followers.
