Purchasing tickets to see an NBA basketball game live can be an exciting experience for any basketball fan. However, there may be times when you purchase tickets but then are unable to attend the game. In cases like this, you may wonder if you can get a refund on the NBA tickets you bought.
Can You Get a Refund on NBA Tickets?
The short answer is maybe. Whether or not you can get a refund on NBA tickets depends on several factors:
- Where you purchased the tickets
- The refund policy of the ticket seller
- The reason you cannot attend the game
If you purchased tickets directly from the NBA team, your ability to get a refund will depend on their official refund policy. Many NBA teams will allow ticket refunds under certain conditions, such as if a game is postponed or if you cannot attend due to a medical emergency. The team’s policy should be listed on their website or on the back of the printed ticket.
If you purchased tickets from a secondary ticket marketplace like StubHub or SeatGeek, you will need to review their refund policies. Many have guarantees that allow you to return tickets for a full refund within a certain window before the event. However, their policies have exclusions, so read through them carefully.
Getting a refund is more difficult if you purchased tickets from an unofficial third party like Craigslist, eBay, or from an individual seller. There is no guarantee with these types of purchases, so you would need to negotiate directly with the seller if you cannot attend.
Common Refund Situations for NBA Tickets
Here are some of the most common situations where you may be able to get an NBA ticket refund and key factors to consider for each:
Game Postponement or Cancellation
If an NBA game is postponed or cancelled entirely, most teams and ticket sellers will issue a full refund of the ticket price. This is because the event you purchased tickets for is no longer taking place as scheduled. Just be aware of time limits – some teams require you to request a refund within a certain window after a postponement is announced.
Player Injury
If the main reason you purchased tickets was to see a specific star player that ends up not playing due to injury, you typically do not qualify for a refund. NBA teams are not usually liable for refunds if a player gets injured before or during a game. The only exception is if the injury occurs right before the event and the team specifically promoted that player’s participation.
Family Emergency
If you cannot attend a game due to a family emergency like a medical issue or death, some teams will work with you on a refund or exchange for another game. It’s best to contact them as soon as possible and provide documentation related to the emergency. Their policies on refunds for emergencies can vary greatly.
Military Deployment
If you are in the U.S. military and get deployed or have a change of orders that prevents you from attending the game, you can typically get a full refund even on non-refundable tickets. Most NBA teams have policies in place to accommodate active duty service members.
How to Request an NBA Ticket Refund
The process for requesting a refund on NBA tickets will depend on where and how you made the purchase. Here are some tips:
- Contact the original ticket seller – This could be the arena box office, Ticketmaster, a reseller marketplace, or an individual. Ask them about their policy for refunds or exchanges.
- Check the original confirmation or receipt – Any refund policy details should be listed there.
- Provide relevant documentation – If you are requesting a refund due to a specific reason like a medical emergency, include documentation like a doctor’s note.
- Dispute the charges – If the seller refuses to issue a refund that you feel you are owed, dispute the charges with your credit card company.
The sooner you can request the refund after determining you cannot attend the game, the better. Many ticket sellers have a firm cutoff (e.g. 48 hours before event) after which point refunds are no longer allowed.
Factors That Impact Getting an NBA Ticket Refund
As you navigate the process of requesting a ticket refund, here are some key factors that can impact the outcome:
Type of Tickets
Season tickets, individual game tickets, playoff tickets, and other specialty packages (All-Star Game, NBA Finals) may all have different policies when it comes to refunds. Be sure to check the policy specific to the type of tickets purchased.
Reason for Refund
As outlined above, the reason you cannot attend the game will matter. Postponements, military deployments, and emergencies are more likely to warrant a refund than a player injury or general change of plans.
Original Purchase Source
Getting a refund will be much easier if you purchased directly through the team or a reputable reseller versus an individual seller.
Time Remaining Until Event
Most ticket sellers have a cutoff point, typically 1-5 days prior to the event, after which they will not issue refunds. The earlier you can request one, the better.
Transferability of Tickets
Rather than seek a refund, some tickets can be transferred or sold to someone else. This may be easier than getting your money back depending on the policy.
Best Practices for NBA Ticket Refunds
To maximize your chances of getting a refund for NBA tickets, keep these best practices in mind:
- Buy directly from team or trusted reseller – Their policies will be clear.
- Know the exact refund policy before purchasing – Don’t assume you can get your money back.
- Understand playoff/special event policies – They are usually stricter.
- Act quickly if you need a refund – Don’t wait until last minute.
- Provide documentation if reason is covered – Doctor’s note, military orders, etc.
- Be polite and patient with representatives – More likely to help if kind!
Alternatives to Ticket Refunds
If you are past the refund cutoff period or do not qualify for a refund, all is not lost. Here are some alternatives you can consider:
Ticket Exchanges
Some teams and resellers allow you to exchange your ticket for another game in the future. You won’t get your money back but you at least retain the value.
Sell or Transfer Tickets
Instead of taking a refund, you may be able to sell, gift or donate the tickets through the team or a reseller marketplace. You can try to recoup some of the cost.
NBA League Pass
If you can’t attend in person, purchase NBA League Pass to stream the game live online. At least you can still watch it!
Team Credit
Some teams will offer credit towards future tickets or merchandise instead of a cash refund. Not ideal but better than totally losing the money.
Key Takeaways on NBA Ticket Refunds
- Refund eligibility mainly depends on where and when tickets were purchased.
- Know the exact refund terms before buying tickets.
- Act quickly as most sellers have a 1-5 day cutoff pre-event.
- Provide documentation if the reason for refund is covered under policy.
- Sell or exchange tickets if past refund deadline.
- Be kind to customer service as they are more likely to help.
The Bottom Line
While not guaranteed, it is sometimes possible to get a refund on NBA tickets under certain conditions. Be aware of the specific refund policy based on where you buy tickets and the type you are buying. Act fast if you need a refund, provide documentation if required, and remember alternatives like exchanges, transfers or credit if you miss the cutoff. With preparation and understanding of the policies, you can improve your chances of getting your money back on NBA tickets you are unable to use.
