How Does NBA Championship Impact the City Population and Real Estate Growth? Quick Case Studies:

NBA championships can boost a city's population growth and real estate market, especially when combined with broader urban development and national attention.

Photo Credit: Koon Vega

Case Studies:

Oklahoma City Thunder (2025)

• After the Thunder's championship, Oklahoma City saw increased national recognition, attracting investors, companies, and new residents.

• The win accelerated downtown revitalization, spurred new residential and mixed-use projects, and increased homebuyer interest, particularly near the arena.

• Property values rose, and the city experienced a stronger seller’s market and heightened long-term confidence in local growth.

  
  

Sacramento Kings (Golden 1 Center, 2016–present)

• The construction of the Golden 1 Center and the Kings’ presence as the sole major league team led to a 38% increase in downtown employment and nearly $2 billion in urban investment.

• Downtown Sacramento saw a surge in new apartments (over 17,000 in planning or construction) and $200 million in property sales in 2017 alone.

• The arena helped attract new residents seeking lower living costs and urban amenities, driving both population and real estate growth.

  
  

Photo Credit: Koon Vega

General NBA City Trends

• Research shows that the presence of an NBA team and a modern arena can increase local residential property values, especially within a few miles of the venue.

• These effects are strongest in cities where basketball is the only major league sport, as seen in Oklahoma City and Sacramento, and are linked to increased amenities, civic pride, and gentrification.

• However, the impact is most pronounced near the arena and may include negative externalities like congestion or displacement if not managed strategically.

In summary, NBA championships and new arenas can catalyze population and real estate growth, particularly when paired with broader urban development and national attention, but the effects are most significant in the immediate vicinity of the arena.