It would be quite a statement for the Celtics to sweep the Nets out of the playoffs. But Celtics ownership may secretly want the series to be extended for at least one more game.
That would mean closing out the Nets at TD Garden, and raking in more of that sweet playoff revenue.
NBA teams make about $2 million in gate revenue per game, according to ESPN's Tom Haberstroh. When the NBA paused its season and resumed play in the bubble in 2020, the league lost approximately $695 million from 258 lost regular-season games, The Athletic reported at the time.
For playoff games, revenue for the home team is even greater. Back in 2017, sports business reporter Darren Rovell wrote the Warriors brought in roughly $12 million for each home playoff date. Though the NBA takes 25 percent of the playoff gate receipts, and expenses must be covered, hosting a playoff game is one of the most financially lucrative activities for an NBA franchise. Using the Warriors as an example, the difference between a sweep and seven-game series is more than $20 million — going off Rovell's figures.
That's a nice chunk of change.
The Garden was packed for Games 1 and 2, and would obviously sell out for Game 5. The Celtics ranked fifth in attendance this season, drawing an average of 19,156 fans per home date. As of Monday afternoon, SeatGeek lists the lowest price for a ticket to Game 5 as $179. Conceivably, that figure would rise if the Nets extend the series.
We know the NBA has a vested interest in extending series for the sake of its TV partners, and seem to base their referee playoff assignments around that goal. Look no further than the work of notorious referee Scott Foster. In the last 21 playoff games he's worked, teams trailing in the series are 19-2.
The NBA announced Monday Foster will be working Game 4 in Brooklyn. That's almost certainly not a coincidence.
