LeBron James’s transfer to the Philadelphia 76ers has had an immediate effect beyond the playing field, with early analysis pointing towards his move stimulating somewhere between $ 250 m and $430m in the city’s economy.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer agreed a two-year deal, the second of which is a player option, with the Sixers, on an $8m contract, a steep dip from his $52m wage last term. His arrival alone has, however, created widespread enthusiasm in Philadelphia.
Season Tickets to the 76ers are now ‘sold out’, while interest in the price of individual games has surged; tickets to an early pre-season game vs Boston Celtics have jumped from an average of $68 a seat last season to a low of $283, according to ticket website prices.
James’ signing with fellow star Jaylen Brown has made Philly legitimate championship contenders, and that trend is likely to see many visitors travel to games on the road throughout the year.
He will not only ensure that their games will not take up too many weeknights or Saturdays on the TV schedules, but it is expected that their schedule will see them on the opening nights for the NBA and that Philadelphia’s version of King James, #23 in cherry and white, will lead all the jerseys in sales in the league.
