Getting a refund for NBA playoff tickets purchased through Ticketmaster can be tricky. Playoff games are in high demand, so Ticketmaster has strict policies around canceling tickets and getting refunds. Here are the key things to know about getting refunds for NBA playoff tickets bought on Ticketmaster:
Ticketmaster’s Refund Policy for NBA Playoffs
Ticketmaster has a “No Refunds or Exchanges” policy for NBA playoff tickets. This means that once you purchase playoff tickets on Ticketmaster, you cannot get a refund or exchange them for other tickets.
There are a few exceptions where Ticketmaster may provide refunds for NBA playoff tickets:
- The event is canceled – If an NBA playoff game is canceled and not rescheduled, Ticketmaster will refund the tickets.
- You purchased ticket insurance – Ticketmaster offers ticket insurance that allows refunds under certain circumstances, like illness or other events preventing you from attending.
- Verification issues – If there are issues verifying your tickets, Ticketmaster may process a refund.
Outside of those situations, Ticketmaster does not offer refunds on NBA playoff tickets. The tickets are non-transferrable as well.
Can You Resell or Exchange NBA Playoff Tickets?
While Ticketmaster does not allow exchanges, you may be able to resell NBA playoff tickets through Ticketmaster’s verified resale marketplace. This allows season ticket holders and other buyers to relist tickets they can no longer use.
The availability of resale tickets depends on the event. Popular playoff games may not have many, if any, resale tickets. You also need to price your tickets competitively for them to sell. Resale tickets tend to be cheaper than box office prices.
If you choose to resell your tickets, be aware that:
- There are no guarantees your tickets will sell
- You will pay a commission fee to Ticketmaster (typically around 10-15% of the resale price)
- Your tickets could sell for less than you paid
Alternatively, you can try to exchange tickets with other fans, friends, or family. However, Ticketmaster does not facilitate ticket exchanges for NBA playoff games.
Getting a Refund from Your Credit Card Company
If Ticketmaster refuses to refund your NBA playoff tickets, you can try disputing the charge with your credit card company. Many major credit cards have policies that allow you to dispute charges if services were not rendered as expected.
To dispute a credit card charge for NBA playoff tickets:
- Contact Ticketmaster first – Ask them one more time for a refund. Having their refusal documented will help your dispute claim.
- Review your credit card policy – Make sure your card’s policy covers event ticket refunds.
- File a dispute claim – Contact your credit card company and explain why you deserve a refund under their policy terms.
- Provide documentation – Include proof of purchase, communication with Ticketmaster, and why the tickets could not be used.
Keep in mind that credit card companies do not always rule in favor of the consumer. But it’s an option to recover your money if Ticketmaster refuses a refund.
Claiming a Refund for a Canceled Event
If an NBA playoff game is outright canceled with no plans to reschedule, Ticketmaster is required to issue a refund. This is standard policy for virtually any ticket seller.
After a canceled NBA playoff game, Ticketmaster typically emails the ticket purchaser with refund details and instructions. Refunds are generally issued back to the original payment method used to buy the tickets.
If Ticketmaster is not providing refund information or is unresponsive, you can contact them through one of the following methods:
- Live online chat support – Available during business hours on Ticketmaster’s website
- By phone – Call their fan support line at 1-800-653-8000
- Twitter – Tweet requests for assistance to @Ticketmaster
- Email – Contact their customer service team at [email protected]
Keep records of all communication with Ticketmaster. If they continue to avoid issuing your refund, you can file complaints with agencies like your state’s attorney general’s office.
Getting Refunds for Partial NBA Playoff Games
Sometimes an NBA playoff game gets partially completed but cannot be finished. This is a rare scenario but can happen.
If a playoff game is canceled after it starts, Ticketmaster still does not offer refunds. Their policy considers the event to have taken place once tip-off occurs. No refunds or exchanges will be given, even for partial games.
The NBA and its teams may elect to provide compensation in exceptional cases where a game was nearly complete. For example, they could issue partial refunds or tickets to a future game. But the league is not obligated to do so.
Purchasing Ticket Insurance
To protect yourself when buying NBA playoff tickets, consider adding Ticketmaster’s ticket insurance at checkout. This optional insurance costs a nonrefundable fee equal to about 10% of the ticket price.
If purchased, the ticket insurance allows you to get a full refund under select circumstances that otherwise would not qualify. These include:
- You cannot attend due to illness or injury
- A family member passes away
- You have transportation issues outside of your control
- Your tickets are lost or stolen
Ticket insurance generally must be purchased within 7 days of getting your NBA playoff tickets. It provides added peace of mind so your tickets are not wasted if unforeseen issues pop up.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster strictly enforces a no refunds or exchanges policy for NBA playoff tickets. Your only options are attempting to resell them or disputing the charge with your credit card company. To ensure you can get a refund if plans change unexpectedly, purchase ticket insurance when buying tickets.