The Home Court Advantage: How Basketball Culture Is Reshaping Ultra-Luxury Living
Following NBA All-Star Weekend & March Madness, Compass’s Luxury and Sports & Entertainment Divisions connected with agents nationwide to understand what today’s clients are truly prioritizing and what those preferences signal for the future of ultra-luxury real estate.
6880 St Vrain Rd, Longmont, CO 80503 | $25,000,000 | Represented by Zach Zeldner
What trends are you seeing among buyers who view basketball as an integral part of how they live?
"For buyers who view basketball as part of their identity and daily routine, there is a clear shift toward properties that support a fully integrated lifestyle. These clients are seeking homes that function as private compounds — spaces that allow them to train, recover, host, and live at a high level without ever needing to leave. The sport court is no longer a standalone amenity. It has become part of a broader ecosystem centered around movement, recovery, and entertainment." — Lauren Forbes, Los Angeles
"The energy of the game is spilling into real estate, with buyers seeking homes that match their lifestyle — private courts, fitness hubs, lounge spaces, and neighborhoods that keep them connected and active. It is not just about square footage or finishes anymore. These buyers want a home that moves with the rhythm of their life." — Scott Hustis & Mark Jovanovic, Paradigm Advisory
"Indoor over outdoor. Larger, fully playable courts over decorative half courts. Multi-use sport spaces replacing single-use ones. Courts designed into the home with adjacent lounge or viewing areas." — Jack Sarsen, Greenwich
When evaluating a property with a basketball court, what separates an exceptional one from an afterthought?
"True ceiling height, adequate width and run-off space, quality hardwood sport flooring with proper bounce, and evenly distributed lighting without glare." — Jack Sarsen, Greenwich
"Scale and functionality are imperative. There needs to be ample room not only to play comfortably, but to accommodate spectators. Dedicated space for seating, filming, and replay review has become increasingly important — particularly for families with competitive athletes or clients in sports and entertainment. The ability to train, record, and refine performance at home elevates the court from recreational to intentional." — Lauren Forbes, Los Angeles
"When clients evaluate properties with basketball courts, they notice the details that make a court feel exceptional — professional-grade hardwood, ample space for full-court play, thoughtful lighting, acoustics, and nearby lounge or fitness areas. The best courts blend serious play with lifestyle." — Scott Hustis & Mark Jovanovic, Paradigm Advisory
Beyond the court, what design elements are defining these spaces?
"Viewing or lounge space nearby, built-in training or conditioning areas, wall protection and acoustic treatment, and finishes that match the quality of the rest of the home — so the space feels planned rather than added later." — Jack Sarsen, Greenwich
"Today's buyers expect the level of craftsmanship seen inside the home to extend seamlessly to its outdoor amenities. Premium lighting, high-quality surfacing, wind barriers, thoughtful landscaping — every element, including a sport court, should feel cohesive and refined. Around this, we are seeing a continued rise in wellness-focused features: spas, saunas, cold plunges, and dedicated recovery spaces." — Lauren Forbes, Los Angeles
"Privacy and security are non-negotiable. Private elevator access directly into the residence, discreet concierge services, and high-level security systems are essential. Spacious exterior terraces also play a major role — large, well-designed outdoor living spaces allow for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining and recovery routines." — Megan Probst, South Florida
Are professional players looking for a single home base, or multiple properties?
"It largely depends on life stage. Athletes with families often prioritize a true home base — a fully amenitized property that serves as a retreat and sanctuary during the off-season. If a trade necessitates relocation, many will retain that home and lease it, maintaining long-term ties to the community and a stable environment for their family. Younger athletes, or those without children, tend to favor flexibility. Mobility often outweighs ownership, at least early in a career." — Lauren Forbes, Los Angeles
"South Florida has become a natural choice for an off-season anchor. Year-round climate, waterfront living, tax advantages, and easy access through major international airports make it strategically compelling. Many players are intentionally investing in a primary off-season home that supports both lifestyle and long-term wealth." — Megan Probst, South Florida
"They usually maintain two residences — one near where they play during the season and a true home base for the off-season." — Ben Moss, Miami
17872 Via De Fortuna, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 | $36,000,000 | Represented by Ross Clark & Brett Dickinson
How do you approach presenting a home with athletic amenities of this caliber?
"I make sure the amenity is real and well-executed, then show buyers how it fits into everyday living. The focus is on usability, build quality, and how the space supports training, family use, and entertaining — rather than presenting it as a feature." — Jack Sarsen, Greenwich
"Representing a property with elite athletic amenities starts with understanding each feature not just for what it is, but for how it functions and the lifestyle it enables. My priority is presenting the home not as a collection of features, but as a fully integrated environment designed to support performance, wellness, privacy, and ease of living at the highest level." — Lauren Forbes, Los Angeles
"These properties are genuinely rare here. We emphasize that quality and scarcity — there is nothing quite like it in the market." — Ethan Bullock, Colorado
Where do you see demand for these amenities heading?
"The concept of bringing wellness home is becoming a defining force in the ultra-luxury market. We expect sport courts, training spaces, recovery suites, and spa-inspired amenities to become more intentional in execution — not add-ons, but core design components. Properties that can accommodate courts, turf fields, pools, and wellness installations will command a different conversation entirely." — Lauren Forbes, Los Angeles
"Athletic amenities are evolving from desirable features into core lifestyle infrastructure. It is no longer just about having a basketball court — it is about delivering a fully integrated wellness environment. Health is no longer separate from real estate. It is embedded into daily living." — Megan Probst, South Florida
"Buyers will want their own space for individual development — somewhere to train privately, to work on their game, to focus." — M.J. St. Jean
"I make sure the amenity is real and well-executed, then show buyers how it fits into everyday living. The focus is on usability, build quality, and how the space supports training, family use, and entertaining — rather than presenting it as a feature." — Jack Sarsen, Greenwich
"Representing a property with elite athletic amenities starts with understanding each feature not just for what it is, but for how it functions and the lifestyle it enables. My priority is presenting the home not as a collection of features, but as a fully integrated environment designed to support performance, wellness, privacy, and ease of living at the highest level." — Lauren Forbes, Los Angeles
"These properties are genuinely rare here. We emphasize that quality and scarcity — there is nothing quite like it in the market." — Ethan Bullock, Colorado