NBA Finals Ticket Stubs: Complete Value Guide

NBA Finals Stubs: A Decade-by-Decade Guide

NBA Finals ticket stubs represent the pinnacle of basketball competition. Each June (or, in earlier eras, April or May), the league's two best teams battle for the championship, and the ticket stubs from those games are among the most collectible items in basketball memorabilia.

Pre-1980 NBA Finals

Finals stubs from the NBA's early decades are scarce and increasingly valuable. The league was far smaller, attendance was lower, and fewer fans preserved their tickets. Any NBA Finals stub from before 1970 is a genuinely rare piece. The Bill Russell-era Celtics Finals stubs (11 championships in 13 years) are particularly sought after.

The Bird-Magic Era (1980s)

The Lakers-Celtics Finals of the 1980s are among the most collectible basketball events. The Bird-Magic rivalry saved the NBA and produced Finals series that are still considered the gold standard. Stubs from any Lakers-Celtics Finals game in this era carry strong premiums.

The Jordan Era (1991-1998)

Jordan's six Finals appearances (and six victories) produce the most consistently valuable modern Finals stubs. The 1998 Finals, featuring Jordan's "Last Shot," is the pinnacle. Each of his Finals clinching games commands premium values.

Modern Era (2000-Present)

The Lakers-Celtics 2010 Finals, the Warriors dynasty Finals, and LeBron James' various Finals appearances all produce collectible stubs. Game 7 stubs are always the most valuable from any given series. Contact StubHaul for a free evaluation of your NBA Finals stubs.