Knicks’ NBA Finals run could generate $465 million for NYC economy, Mamdani’s office says
New York City bars and restaurants are benefiting from the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals run.
As Madison Square Garden prepares for Game 3 on Monday and Game 4 on Wednesday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office says the Knicks’ remaining home games could generate $465 million for the city’s economy.
Bars and restaurants across New York have been at capacity during playoff games, with some doubling security.
“You have all these small operators, pizza and bagel shops, bars and taverns. Everybody’s benefiting from this,” said Arthur Backal, owner of Versa Restaurant & Rooftop near the Garden.
“Never have we seen the city like this in the history of my career,” said Mitch Modell, former CEO of Modell’s Sporting Goods.
Business owners say the surge is a major boost after COVID as fans spend freely.
“Bars and restaurants have really been struggling the past few years, but this is a boom,” said Andrew Rigie, executive director of the New York Hospitality Alliance.
With the Knicks leading the Spurs 2-0, a four-game sweep for the NBA championship remains possible. The mayor’s office said the $465 million estimate assumes the series returns to New York for Game 6.
Game 3 ticket prices ranged from $5,200 to $329,000 on StubHub hours before tipoff.
