Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking extra measures to preserve their homecourt advantage as they prepare for the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Screenshots circulating online Monday showed that the Thunder have implemented regional restrictions on playoff ticket sales.
Fans attempting to purchase tickets through the team’s official website were met with a notice stating that sales are limited to buyers with billing addresses in Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, or Nebraska.
In effect, this move blocks Minnesota residents from buying tickets directly from the Thunder’s site. While Timberwolves fans can still access tickets through secondary marketplaces, they’ll likely face higher prices and limited availability.
Given the relatively close proximity between Oklahoma City and Minneapolis—less than 800 miles apart and within the same time zone—the Thunder appear to be taking a proactive approach to prevent a strong visiting fan presence.
Similar ticket policies have been seen elsewhere in the playoffs, such as when the Detroit Pistons restricted sales to limit New York Knicks fans earlier this postseason.
The Thunder are known for having one of the most passionate and energetic home crowds in the NBA, especially at Paycom Center during the playoffs.
With Oklahoma City making its first trip to the Western Conference Finals since 2016, the team is doing what it can to ensure that homecourt atmosphere stays firmly in their favor.