Broadway's $1.9 billion season is the latest sign of consumers splurging on experiences

Key points

• Daniel Radcliffe takes a bow onstage during curtain call at "Every Brilliant Thing" Opening Night at Hudson Theatre on March 12, 2026 in New York City.
• Broadway just wrapped its highest-grossing season on record, offering another sign that consumers are willing to spend on experiences even as concerns about inflation and economic uncertainty linger.
• The 2025-2026 show season topped the prior year's record and generated nearly $1.91 billion in ticket sales, according to industry data from The Broadway League.
• "Even in a challenging economic environment, Broadway remained notably on par with last season, reflecting both the resilience of this industry and the connection audiences feel to these productions," said Jason Laks, president of The Broadway League, in a press release.
• Adjusting for the extra week that was included in the prior season, Broadway grosses this year rose 3.5%, attendance increased 1.8% and average ticket prices climbed 1.7%.