Knicks secure $1M celebrity row seats for NBA Finals Game 3 in 2026

The New York Knicks auctioned two courtside seats for NBA Finals Game 3 at Madison Square Garden for a record $1 million.

Record bid for courtside seats The New York Knicks revealed that the winning bid for two celebrity row seats at NBA Finals Game 3 reached $1 million. This marks the first time a Finals game has been held at Madison Square Garden since 1999. The auction proceeds were split between law firm Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher LLP and private equity company Veritas Capital. All funds were donated to the Garden of Dreams Foundation, which supports underprivileged children in the tristate area. ## Historic donation to foundation The Knicks confirmed this was the largest single contribution ever made to the Garden of Dreams Foundation. The organization collaborates with MSG-affiliated companies to aid children in need across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The seats are located in section VIP 10, row AA, specifically seats 25 and 26, positioned directly next to the court. The team typically reserves these seats for high-profile fans rather than selling them. ## Soaring ticket prices in Manhattan Throughout the arena, ticket prices surged to extraordinary levels. The cheapest seats in the upper deck for Sunday night’s game exceeded $6,000 on resale platforms such as StubHub, SeatGeek, and VividSeats. Courtside access commanded over $75,000 during the same period. These figures highlight the immense demand for prime seating during the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. ## Celebrity presence at MSG Celebrity fans like Tracy Morgan and Timothée Chalamet frequently occupy the coveted courtside seats. The Knicks do not publicly disclose pricing for these seats since they are gifted rather than sold. The auction for Game 3 drew substantial attention due to its historic bid and the venue’s return to hosting Finals action after 27 years.