Mayor Adams Announces Full New York Knicks Postseason has Potential to Generate $832 Million in Economic Activity From Home Games

May 22, 2025

New York Knicks Postseason Run Has Generated an Estimated  
$195 Million in Economic Activity From Home Playoff Games So Far 

Each Home Playoff Game Going Forward Will Generate $91 Million in Economic Activity 

 Full Postseason Run Could Generate a Cumulative $832 Million in Economic Activity 

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball today announced that the New York Knicks’ 2025 National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs run has the potential to generate $832 million in economic impact for the five boroughs, when accounting for games already played and if the Knicks play all potential home games in both the Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals. Already, home playoff games played this year by the Knicks have generated an estimated $195 million in economic activity.  

With the Eastern Conference Finals beginning last night, each additional Knicks home game is expected to generate an estimated $91 million for the city — stimulating local businesses and creating jobs and economic opportunities for New Yorkers across the five boroughs. Between the Eastern Conference Finals and potential NBA Finals, the Knicks could generate up to an additional $637 million, in addition to the $195 million already generated from the first two rounds of playoffs.  

“As the Knicks continue their historic run in the Eastern Conference Finals, they are, generating $91 million in estimated economic impact for every home game of the playoffs going forward — delivering for sports fans and our economy,” said Mayor Adams. “Whether its hotel rooms for the night, tickets to the game, merch for the home team, or drinks and food at bars across the city, these games will boost our businesses, uplift our city, and build on the record number of jobs our administration has already helped create. The Knicks have lifted our spirits and our economy, so I’ll be joining fans across the five boroughs, and the entire region, in shouting the same thing over and over as we take on the Pacers this week: ‘Let’s Go Knicks’…and spend money!” 

“When the Knicks win, New York City's economy has an even bigger win,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión, Jr. “As a basketball fan and as deputy mayor for housing, economic development, and workforce, I am rooting for the Knicks to do New York City proud in the Eastern Conference Finals and beyond.” 

“A playoff run for the Knicks is great for New York City — it brings a special energy and pride to the city as well as huge economic boom,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “Each home game stimulates our economy and brings visitors to our city, and we look forward to an exciting next few games.”   

NYCEDC’s analysis accounts for direct impacts from visitor spending, including tickets, concessions, merchandise, transportation, and lodging for overnight, out-of-town visitors. It also accounts for indirect and induced impacts from additional spending by stadium companies and employees. The economic impact of each game is based on the average prices for tickets already available for the Eastern Conference Finals. Should the Knicks make it to the Finals, the ticket prices, and the estimated economic impact, could be subject to change. 

The new data comes as Mayor Adams announced yesterday that — in partnership with Madison Square Garden Sports and the Knicks — streets across Manhattan will be temporarily co-named after Knicks players as the team advances to the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals and will stay up for the remainder of the Knicks playoff run. 

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