If you’re a basketball fan, New York is an absolute dream city! While you’re here, you can catch an NBA game featuring the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden or the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
If you’re want to watch more or even play basketball, you can visit one of the famous courts like West 4th Street or Dyckman, where New Yorkers go to play.
Basketball teams in New York
When it comes to NBA basketball in New York, you actually have three teams to choose from: the New York Knicks, the Brooklyn Nets, and the New York Liberty (WNBA).
The Knicks have been around since 1946 and are one of the original NBA teams. The Nets, previously based in New Jersey, became a Brooklyn team in 2012 when they moved to the Barclays Center arena. The New York Liberty, the women’s basketball team, also plays at the Barclays Center.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are the most famous basketball team in New York and have been around since 1946 when the NBA was founded. Alongside the Boston Celtics, they are the only teams that have never moved from their original city. The New York Knicks play their games at the famous arena Madison Square Garden, just like the New York Rangers.
The Knicks was previously known as the New York Knickerbockers. The word knickerbocker is an old term describing a 17th-century New Yorker. Knickerbockers were a type of pants that people wore, rolled up just below the knee.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets used to play in New Jersey and moved to Brooklyn in 2012 and now call the Barclays Center their home. The Nets and Knicks are fierce rivals, both having home arenas in New York. If you’re looking for a more affordable basketball experience in New York, catching a Brooklyn Nets game is a great option.
WNBA New York Liberty
The New York Liberty competes in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and plays their home games at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. They share the arena with the Brooklyn Nets. The team was founded in 1997 and was one of the first eight teams to play in the WNBA.
Basketball tickets in New York
The basketball season in New York typically runs from fall through playoffs in April or May. The ultimate experience is watching the New York Knicks play at the famous Madison Square Garden. However, if you’re looking for more affordable tickets, you can always catch a New York Liberty or Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Center.
Keep in mind that basketball tickets in New York are much more expensive during the playoffs. You can purchase tickets through platforms like Ticketmaster, StubHub, or SeatGeek.
Street Basketball
When you visit parks in New York, it’s quite common to see people playing basketball, either with friends or practicing solo. Some of the most famous street basketball courts in New York are the West 4th Street Courts, Rucker Courts, and Dyckman on 204th Street.
