Sweep would cost Warriors money in the short term
CLEVELAND — The Warriors’ pursuit of NBA history could prove costly.
According to an ESPN report published Wednesday, Golden State would lose out on potentially more than $22 million by capping a perfect postseason Friday with a Finals sweep of the Cavaliers.
ESPN’s Darren Rovell estimated that Golden State’s net take of ticket sales (both primary and resale) would be $10,755,000 for Game 5 and $10,965,000 for a Game 7.
Taking into account various fees, Rovell calculated that the Warriors would net an additional $332,500 for Game 5 and $380,000 for Game 7 in food, beverage, merchandise and parking.
Ultimately, the franchise’s second championship in three years would probably help bring enough of a financial windfall to more than make up for that $22 million loss in the long run.
Though Golden State still ranks behind the Knicks and Lakers, it is the fastest-rising franchise, jumping an NBA-high 37 percent from last year.