Scottie Pippen isn’t one to hold back. Whether it was calling out Michael Jordan for The Last Dance documentary or voicing his frustrations with the league, he’s always spoken his mind. Now, he’s back at it again, but this time, his target is the NBA’s exclusive VIP culture—that money, not passion, is determining who gets the best seats in the house.
Taking to X, Pippen didn’t sugarcoat his criticism. He bluntly stated, “Not everyone sitting in the front row is a fan.” That one line said it all. The NBA’s courtside experience is often seen as the pinnacle of live sports, but Pippen pointed out the harsh truth—having deep pockets, not love for the game, gets you closest to the action.
And it’s not just about the view. VIP ticket holders enjoy perks like the Courtside Club, offering free food, beer, wine, and even in-seat service. No need to leave your seat—everything comes to you. It’s an experience designed for luxury, but at what cost?
While the courtside lifestyle sounds amazing, it also highlights a frustrating reality. Die-hard fans who live and breathe the game are often priced out. And that’s exactly what Pippen wanted to call out. Judging by the overwhelming support from fans, he’s not alone in feeling this way.
Fans support Scottie Pippen’s comment
As soon as Scottie Pippen posted, the reactions poured in. Many fans echoed his frustration, with one calling the situation “an unfortunate fact.” If you see this year’s All-Star Weekend tickets and perks, it proofs how money controls access. It’s hard to argue when you see what’s on offer.
Not everyone sitting in the front row is a fan.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) February 13, 2025
For $799, fans can dive into premium experiences all weekend. From enjoying the NBA Champions Table on Friday to grabbing breakfast with mascots on Saturday, the options are endless. Want something more exclusive? Sunday’s Pregame Access to the NBA Champions Club or Premium In-Arena Hospitality could be your pick. Even if you’re not up for the full weekend, single-day passes with perks are available.
And if Saturday is more your vibe, there’s a special ticket for State Farm NBA All-Star Saturday Night on February 15th. Starting at $699, it offers premium access, including the NBA Champions Table, Mascot Breakfast, and NBA Champions Club. But for true ballers, a weekend package deal starting at $1,299 covers both Saturday and Sunday, bundling in pregame access and Premium In-Arena Hospitality.
However, some fans raised another concern—what about the haters? They can use money to grab this seat and can cause problems for the players. “Facts They won’t cheer for your wins, but they’ll sure as hell tear you down for your losses,” one fan commented. Another agreed, saying, “You nailed it on this one, Scottie. Just because they eat in our restaurant doesn’t mean they love the food.” But one fan found humor in it all, commenting, “Haters sitting on the front row. ”
So how should players handle it? Pippen’s old teammate Michael Jordan had some advice: “Don’t allow others’ opinions to influence you or your actions. You must determine it yourself… To all the doubters, haters, and naysayers—thank you for being the fuel for my success machine.” And fans backed that mindset, with one writing, “True! Be careful of the woke haters!”
So one thing is clear, Pippen struck a nerve. And from the looks of it, the fans are right there with him.
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