TiqIQ VP/Data & Communications Chris Matcovich said that Knicks tickets "are the most expensive" in the NBA on the secondary ticket market, and Nets tickets "rank 4th." The average Knicks ticket price this season is $320.92, which is 11.46% higher than it was at the beginning of last season, when the average was $287.93. The average Nets ticket price this season is $228.51, which is 15.96% higher than at the beginning of last season when the average was $197.06. In New Jersey, John Brennan noted only four other teams -- the Lakers ($284.84), Heat ($276.45), Bulls ($197.45) and Thunder ($187.16) -- "have an average resale price of $150." Twelve teams "have an average resale price below $100," including the T'Wolves "at a league low $71.16" (NORTHJERSEY.com, 10/30).
THE KINGS' SPEECH: In Sacramento, Jason Jones wrote that while brief comments by Kings Managing Partner Vivek Ranadive and city Mayor Kevin Johnson addressed to NBA Commissioner David Stern at the team's opener Wednesday were "a nice touch," the crowd "should have heard from Stern, too." Jones: "Presenting Stern with the key to the city was great, but he should have been handed the microphone" (SACBEE.com, 10/31). Also in Sacramento, Joe Davidson writes "if greatness really does start at the top, the Kings have struck gold" in Ranadive, who "radiates confidence." He is "a visionary, a proven winner in the business world." He also is "largely without ego, deflecting credit and reminding often that he surrounds himself with 'much smarter people'" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 11/1).
NOT SO JOLLY: A FLORIDA TIMES-UNION editorial stated the Jaguars' scheduling of annual games in London "is a business venture, pure and simple," and team Owner Shahid Khan has "every right to do as he chooses, including bending lease agreements" at EverBank Field. But taking premium games overseas "takes business away from locals who benefit when the big names come to town," and the fans, particularly the season-ticket holders, are "put on the back burner." The editorial: "That's what we get after all the losing seasons, yet loyal support?" (JACKSONVILLE.com, 10/31).
