by Nathaniel Miller
For the first time in 12 years, the San Antonio Spurs are in the NBA Finals, playing the New York Knicks in a rematch almost three decades in the making.
Up to four games (if necessary) will be played at the Frost Bank Center, bringing an unexpected economic boon for San Antonio. St. Mary’s University Associate Professor of Economics Steve Nivin, Ph.D., explains how a championship run can affect the city.
Nivin’s impact study of the 2025 NCAA Final Four in San Antonio showed those three games to crown college basketball’s national champion brought in $440.6 million in economic activity to the city.
After being interviewed by the San Antonio Express-News, Nivin joined the staff of Gold & Blue magazine to answer a few questions about the NBA Finals’ expected economic impact on the Alamo City.
Q: What is the economic impact of big events like the NBA Finals in San Antonio?
A: The impact of the NBA Finals benefits businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, bars and local shops. During the 2025 Final Four, direct spending on lodging was $55.2 million. Having an event like the Finals in San Antonio certainly provides businesses with a nice boost.
Q: How does hosting the NBA Finals compare to hosting other major events in San Antonio?
A: The NBA Finals are different because there is no planning in advance — it happens if your teams keep winning. The NCAA Final Four is known years ahead of time because cities make bids to host.
With the Final Four, there’s a whole series of events around the basketball games, like concerts and other events families can attend. You don’t have that with the NBA Finals or the Alamo Bowl.
Q: What long-term benefits can major sporting events bring to a host city?
A: The public relations San Antonio gets from this can’t be measured by numbers. It’s a nice boost to help people learn more about San Antonio as more than a military city. The publicity can help drive more tourist activity after the Finals.
