NBA season ticket sales increase by 60% due to growing international demand.

• This season's NBA ticket sales on StubHub have increased by almost 60% compared to the previous season, according to the company's annual preview.
• The company announced that there will be a 120% increase in international ticket sales for games, with fans from 92 countries attending.
• The Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, are the most sought-after team, while the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, failed to make the top 10.

The Los Angeles Lakers are the most in-demand team in the National Basketball Association, with ticket sales up nearly 60% compared to last year as the season begins next week.

According to Adam Budelli, the ticket exchange's annual NBA preview is based on years of data and provides the company's projections for the upcoming basketball season. The season begins on Oct. 24.

Budelli informed CNBC that all teams are experiencing an increase in demand this season, with international interest growing significantly. There has been a 24% increase in fans from 92 countries attending North American games compared to last season. StubHub predicted that international sales will increase by 120% from last season, with the most popular countries attending NBA games being Australia, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.

According to Budelli, it is challenging to identify a single factor, but the increase in cross-border travel for live events has been observed across all events, and it has rebounded to a higher level than before the pandemic.

The NBA's growing dominance by international stars, including Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, is likely to influence its upcoming media rights negotiations.

Since 2017, the Lakers, featuring superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, have been the top team in StubHub's projections four times. However, the Denver Nuggets, last season's NBA champions, are not included in the list. Budelli stated that the company is closely monitoring the Nuggets and expects them to increase in popularity as the season progresses.

The trade of Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sept. 27 resulted in a more than doubling of ticket sales, with the team's home opener expected to be the highest selling game of the season. Budelli stated that Lillard's trade is likely the biggest mover of the season, pushing the team up six spots on the list compared to last year.

The Golden State Warriors, with the addition of star guard Chris Paul, have the highest average ticket price for their away games, according to StubHub.

StubHub reports that the Knicks have outpaced their sales from last season by 80%, making them the top team in terms of ticket sales.

StubHub is eager to observe how the teams and players evolve as the season unfolds, as Budelli acknowledged that the projections are subject to change.

Budelli stated that while the usual suspects are at the top initially, the rankings can change and shift during the season. He added that star players may emerge, rookies may break out, and these trends are self-evident.