What makes an NBA team the ‘hottest’ franchise in the market? Is it the number of championships they have won? Well, if that’s the case, then the Lakers and Celtics should always remain on top of that list because of the record 35 championships they have between them. But as it turns out, winning those titles is not always the answer. That’s because another franchise has overtaken the two giants to bag the title of the league’s most in-demand team. And it’s none other than the Knicks!

Yes, as per StubHub, the New York-based team is currently leading the league with most ticket sales on the website for the upcoming season. Sure enough, the Knicks are never not in demand because of their passionate fanbase. That is why they are also the second highest-valued franchise in the league at $7.43 billion, despite not having won a title in decades.

This year is more special because of their incredible performance last season. Not only did they finish as the 2nd seed, but they also added stars like Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns this summer, which has given fans hope that they could win it all this year.

While the Knicks enjoy the top spot, the Celtics are not too far behind as they are 2nd on the list after getting outsold by 36%. Meanwhile, LeBron James and Co., who topped the list last year, have fallen to No. 3 with the NYC franchise outselling them by 81%!

While the top three teams are set, the Warriors have dropped to the eighth spot. Maybe, some of it has to do with the departure of Klay Thompson, as many fans believe their dynasty days are now over. However, the rankings could change as the season progresses.

New York Knicks living up to the hype so far, amid most in-demand games

Sure enough, being the hottest team also comes with a lot of pressure. The pressure of winning and not disappointing the ticket buyers. Interestingly, the Knicks rank joint 2nd for the ‘Most International Buyers’ at 32%, level with the LA Lakers!

Because of their rapidly rising popularity, six of the top ten most in-demand games on StubHub also involve the Knicks. And that includes their games against the Celtics, Pacers, Lakers, Cavs, Bucks, and the Christmas Day encounter against the Spurs. Amid the hype, the team has delivered so far as they’ve easily won their first two preseason games.

During the first game against the Hornets, the NY side displayed their incredible depth as the bench combined for 81 points! In the second game against the Wizards, KAT took over in his MSG debut and went off for 25 points along with 12 boards. Jalen Brunson also showed he is still in great form with his 23-point outing, and Mikal Bridges also gelled well, dropping 16 points in a winning cause.

Hopefully, they will carry this momentum to the regular season and give the fans their money’s worth, continuing to remain the hottest team till June! In a world where a team like the Suns was eliminated last season mainly because of its lack of depth, the Knicks, with their nifty off-season movements in the trade market, have sealed that front. Thoughts?

Hungry for more basketball content? Do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.