Despite widespread talk about apparent difficulties getting fans in the stands, NBA attendance is actually up from last year — though only slightly.
Through December 8, NBA teams are averaging 17,064 fans per game, up 1% from 16,945 fans through the comparable point last year.
The Detroit Pistons lead the league in attendance, at 22,076 per game. They are followed by the Chicago Bulls (21,661), Portland Trailblazers (20,565), Cleveland Cavaliers (20,423) and Dallas Mavericks (19,994).
The New Orleans Hornets have seen the biggest increase in attendance. The team is averaging 16,708 fans per game, up 48% from 11,327 through the same point in ’07. Other teams seeing increases this year include the Indiana Pacers (up 16%), Philadelphia 76ers (up 12%), Atlanta Hawks (up 11%), Portland Trailblazers (up 10%), New Jersey Nets (up 8%) and Cleveland Cavaliers (up 1%).
The Miami Heat have seen the biggest decline in attendance; their games average 16,505 fans per game, down 16% from 19,653 in ’07. The Sacramento Kings (down 12%), Memphis Grizzlies (down 12%) and Los Angeles Clippers (down 11%) have also deen double-digit declines in average attendance.
Overall, 16 NBA teams (more than half) have declining attendance, compared to 7 with increased attendance and 7 with flat attendance. Interestingly, 5 of the 7 teams with increased attendance reside in the East, while 9 of the 16 teams with decreased attendance are in the West. The Eastern Conference leads the Western Conference 17,221 to 16,901 in average attendance.
Through 11 home games, the newly relocated Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging 18,515 fans per game, 12th best in the league. The Seattle Supersonics averaged 14,159 fans per game through their first nine home games last season, and 15,567 per game through nine home games two years ago.
League-wide, NBA arenas are filled to 89% capacity. Eight teams play to full capacity (the Pistons, Celtics, Suns, Lakers, Mavericks, Jazz, Bulls and Blazers), while six teams play to less than 80% capacity: the Clippers (76%), Minnesota Timberwolves (71%), Charlotte Bobcats (70%), Kings (69%), 76ers (68%) and Grizzlies (65%).
* Percentages are rounded up/down: The Milwaukee Bucks’ 0.2% increase in attendance is considered virtually flat, while the Chicago Bulls’ 99.8% capacity is considered virtually full capacity.
