Broadway’s biggest season masks growing industry risks

Broadway ticket sales topped $1.9 billion in the season that ended May 24, setting a new record, showing that audiences continue to spend on live entertainment despite concerns about inflation and economic uncertainty.

According to the Broadway League, attendance increased 1.8% and average ticket prices climbed 1.7%.

The final week of the season alone generated $40.7 million across 40 productions.

One of the biggest hits came from productions featuring well-known stars and recognizable titles. A revival of Every Brilliant Thing starring Daniel Radcliffe was among the season’s biggest hits and led ticket sales during the final week. 

The season also continued a trend seen in recent years, with audiences flocking to productions featuring Hollywood names and familiar stories.

The strong finish comes as the Tony Awards are expected to drive additional ticket sales for winning productions. Broadway also benefited from broader demand for experiences, including concerts, sports events, and live theater.

At the same time, the season exposed the mounting challenges facing original musicals, which have become both more expensive and riskier for investors. The 2025–2026 season opened with 35 new productions, comprising 12 musicals (of which only 6 were original works), 21 plays, and 2 special presentations.

Three of four Tony nominees for Best New Musical are based on existing IP: Titanique, a parody inspired by the Oscar-winning film Titanic; Lost Boys, based on the 1980s cult-classic movie; and Schmigadoon!, adapted from the Apple TV series. These productions attracted audiences with built-in fan bases and recognizable brands.

Attendance at plays surged nearly 14%, while musical attendance fell 4.7%. Plays generated roughly $463 million in revenue, more than double their total from two seasons ago, as investors increasingly favor lower-risk productions with built-in audiences.

Despite the record numbers, concerns are growing about Broadway’s long-term affordability. The average ticket price reached $131 this season, meaning a family of four can easily spend more than $500 on tickets alone before adding transportation and meals.