The Los Angeles Lakers just sent out their 2026-2027 season ticket renewal notice on Friday, and the email reminded fans that there is a new sheriff is in town.
This is on the heels of Mark Walter officially becoming the major owner of one of the world’s most recognized sports brands. And Walter’s first order of business is to try to recoup some of his $10 billion investment by raising season ticket prices.
Mark Walter Faces Backlash Over Lakers Ticket Price Surge
According to The California Post, Walter has raised ticket prices by 14% and added a 3% admin fee if it is not paid in full at the start of the season.
Per Rob Perez, 5- and 9-month payment plans were available for the previous season, with no % penalty.
“Just got my Lakers season ticket invoice. They are not only raising prices next season 14% (for my section), but are also adding a 3% “Admin Fee” if you don’t pay in full. 5-month and 9-month payment plans were available for recent previous season, without a % penalty,” Perez posted.
A long-time Lakers season-ticket holder at the 300 level saw their package increase from about 15,000 dollars for five seats to 22,000 dollars. An increase of 7,000 dollars, which results in roughly a 40%-50% increase, depending on the year-to-year baseline.
Per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, another 300-level holder who paid $5,494 in 2024-25 saw their total increase to $9,035 in 2026-27, with a 45.9% increase in the next season, compared to a 12.7% increase in the previous renewal.
According to Hoop Wire’s Sam Amico, other fans have reported an increase of 25–67%, with some upper-bowl invoices reaching five figures.
Walter’s Role and Reasoning in Ticket Price Increase
According to the Lakers’ statement, the decision was based on market demand and the team’s brand as a premium entertainment product in Los Angeles.
“We are adjusting season ticket pricing for next season,” the statement to ESPN said. “The updates reflect the current market landscape and demand.”
However, many reports noted that Walter’s raising ticket prices is no surprise and is right out of the Dodgers’ playbook. A franchise that Walter also owns, and according to ESPN, the back-to-back World Series champs set a franchise record for attendance last season with 4,012,470 fans.
In an email to Lakers season ticket holders obtained by ESPN, soon-to-be former president of business operations, Tim Harris, emphasized the big three of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves as the reason for the increase.
“The Lakers are iconic. Expectations are always high… Every season is about elite competition and premium basketball because nothing compares to success with the Purple and Gold…”
“Luka’s shaping the present and future of the game in real time with vision, control, and impact every night. LeBron continues to define what longevity, excellence, and leadership look like in this league. Year after year, the benchmark holds. Austin’s star power has no ceiling; his dedication to the game is unmatched.”