Billionaire investor Bill Ackman praised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s push to offer discounted U.S. Open tickets to city residents, striking a rare conciliatory note after months of public clashes.
Ackman Welcomes Rare Agreement With Mamdani
“Here is hoping there is more room for agreement. Well done on the Open,” Ackman wrote on X after Mamdani promoted the initiative.
“Bill and I don’t agree on much, but on this we do,” Mamdani wrote, directing New Yorkers to the ticket portal and adding, “no scalping included.”
The exchange followed Ackman’s complaint about U.S. Open resale prices. He highlighted a $363 ticket before correcting himself and noting that the original cost was $75. “That said, we should find a way to avoid scalpers taking away the opportunity for more accessible ticket prices,” he wrote.
Discounted Tickets Target Soaring Resale Prices
Mamdani and the U.S. Tennis Association made 1,000 tickets available to New York City residents for $100 each. Buyers could purchase up to two for main-draw matches from Aug. 30 through Sept. 8, including stadium seats and grounds passes.
“If the world’s best tennis players are coming to our city, New Yorkers should be able to see them play,” Mamdani said. USTA CEO Craig Tiley added, “We want as many people as possible to experience tennis and the US Open.”
Reuters reported on Tuesday that opening-day Arthur Ashe Stadium seats were starting around $344 on the secondary market, while courtside seats exceeded $1,000. Grounds passes originally priced at $65 had attracted markups above 300%.
Political Rivals Find Limited Common Ground
The agreement stands out because Ackman has repeatedly criticized Mamdani. Before the 2025 election, he warned Mamdani could “destroy the city” and donated $1 million to a super PAC opposing him.
Ackman nevertheless congratulated Mamdani after his election victory. Their latest exchange comes even as Ackman continues challenging policies including Mamdani’s luxury second-home tax.
For Mamdani, the ticket program fits his broader affordability message that major sporting events hosted in New York should remain accessible to residents.
Photo courtesy: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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