The roar of the crowd at Madison Square Garden, the sea of orange and blue in the streets, the packed sports bars; the New York Knicks' recent playoff run was a thrilling ride for fans. But beyond the on-court drama, this extended postseason campaign has translated into a substantial economic windfall for New York City, underscoring the potent financial power of a beloved team making a deep charge.

The Big Apple's Playoff Payday

According to an announcement by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) in late May 2025, the Knicks' entire 2025 playoff journey had the potential to inject a staggering $832 million into the city's economy, assuming they played all possible home games through the Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals. While they didn’t reach the finals, the economic impact remains staggering.

Even before the later rounds, though, the impact was palpable. The initial home playoff games played by the Knicks in 2025 had already generated an estimated $195 million in economic activity. Each subsequent home game during the Eastern Conference Finals was projected to add another $91 million to that tally. This impressive figure accounts for a wide array of spending:

• Direct Impacts: Ticket sales, concessions, merchandise, transportation for fans, and lodging for out-of-town visitors.

• Indirect and Induced Impacts: Additional spending by stadium companies and their employees, which then ripples through the local economy.

For Madison Square Garden Sports Corp., the parent company of the Knicks (and the NHL's Rangers), playoff success directly translates to a healthier bottom line. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the company reported a $71.8 million increase in playoff-related revenue compared to the previous year. This boost was attributed to the Knicks and Rangers playing a combined seven more home playoff games, averaging out to over $10.2 million in revenue per additional playoff game for MSG Sports Corp. itself. (How NBA Playoffs Impact New York Knicks’ Revenue)

How Does This Compare in NYC?

While the Knicks' per-game playoff impact is substantial, it's interesting to see how it stacks up against other major league postseasons in the city. For instance, during the 2024 MLB playoffs, New York Yankees home games were estimated to generate an economic impact of $25 million per game, while New York Mets home games brought in around $20.1 million per game (AMNY). These figures also consider ticket sales, significant visitor spending (with over 27,000 out-of-NYC visitors per MLB playoff game), and earnings for seasonal park employees. While direct comparisons can be complex due to differing ticket prices, stadium capacities, and fan spending habits, it's clear that any major New York team's postseason run is a significant financial boon.

Playoff Windfalls Beyond the Garden

New York isn't the only city cashing in on playoff fever. Extended runs by NBA and NHL teams consistently provide economic boosts to their home regions:

NBA Success Stories:

• When the Denver Nuggets made their championship run in the 2023 NBA Finals, the city of Denver anticipated a direct economic impact of up to $25 million, with a total potential impact reaching as high as $100 million when indirect spending was factored in (Yahoo Finance).

• More recently, Indianapolis was projected to see an economic benefit of $20-$25 million from hosting NBA Finals games. General estimates suggest NBA Finals games can generate around $6 million in average visitor spending alone.

NHL's Icy Injections:

• The Edmonton Oilers' journey through the first three rounds of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs was a massive win for the Alberta capital, injecting an estimated $179 million into the local economy. This included revenue from approximately 60,000 overnight hotel stays (Edmonton Journal). Beyond the direct dollars, the global media exposure for Edmonton was described as "priceless."

• The Florida Panthers' successful playoff runs over the past two seasons have reportedly contributed at least $110 million to Fort Lauderdale's economy. Their recent Stanley Cup Final appearance alone was projected to generate an additional $20 million to $30 million for the city, primarily through hotel occupancy and restaurant spending (SFBW).

• Data from Moneris has also shown significant spending surges in Canadian cities during NHL playoff games, with Edmonton seeing a 15% citywide spending increase during just one opening game.

More Than Just a Game

The economic benefits of a deep playoff run are multifaceted. Increased tourism floods cities with visitors eager to spend on accommodation, dining, and entertainment. Local businesses, from sports bars to retail outlets, experience a surge in activity. The heightened media attention also serves as invaluable marketing for the host city, enhancing its image and potentially attracting future tourism and investment. Moreover, these events often lead to increased employment in the hospitality and service sectors.

The New York Knicks' 2025 playoff run is a prime example of this phenomenon. While the championship trophy is the ultimate goal on the court, the economic victories tallied along the way provide a significant and welcome boost to the city's coffers, proving that in the world of big-time sports, a winning team is a powerful economic engine.