The 2019 NBA Finals featuring the Raptors against the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors is their first ever trip to the NBA Finals in the team's 24-year history (entered the NBA in 1995). (4) Given the unprecedented nature of these championship runs in both markets, the secondary ticket prices are considerably higher in both Toronto and St. Louis than for their respective opponents. Last week, I authored a Forbes piece which illustrated that secondary prices were significantly higher in St. Louis relative to Boston. Similarly, watching ABC's telecast of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night, the energy inside Scotiabank Arena was simply electric. But with each franchise a mere three victories away from history and franchise-firsts, there will be no shortage of excitement...and no shortage of additional marketing exposure for Toronto and St. Louis as communities.

Source: Forbes June 01, 2019 03:33 UTC