Knicks Accept White House Invitation After First NBA Championship Win in 53 Years, Team Owner James Dolan Says
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NEED TO KNOW
- James Dolan said the New York Knicks have accepted an invitation to the White House after winning their first NBA championship in 53 years
- The Knicks owner called Donald Trump a friend and said he is “very proud” to bring the team to the White House
- Dolan also reflected on Trump’s attendance at the NBA Finals, which he said marked the first time a sitting president attended a Finals game
The New York Knicks are headed to the White House.
James Dolan, the executive chairman and CEO of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp., which owns the Knicks, revealed during an appearance on WFAN New York on Wednesday, June 17, that the team has accepted an invitation from the White House following its championship victory.
“Thank you for asking me that. We just did receive an invitation from [the] White House, which we accepted,” Dolan said. Asked if he was looking forward to the White House celebration, he added, “We still have to figure out the details.”
The invitation comes days after the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, earning the team’s first championship in 53 years.
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The Knicks owner, 71, also spoke about his relationship with President Donald Trump, who attended the Knicks’ NBA Finals game against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on June 8.
“I invited the President to come down for the game,” Dolan said on Wednesday. “He is a friend. I’ve known him for 30 years, and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House.”
Trump watched the game from a private box alongside his granddaughter, Kai Trump. Dolan noted that the appearance marked the “first time ever for any NBA finals” that a sitting president attended a game.
Trump’s presence generated headlines throughout the night. The president was booed by some fans inside Madison Square Garden during the pregame festivities, and he faced criticism from some lawmakers and basketball fans after appearing to fall asleep during portions of the game.
Ahead of the matchup, players from both teams were asked about Trump’s attendance.
Spurs star De’Aaron Fox acknowledged the increased security surrounding the game.
“I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient for everybody else,” Fox said. “We’re getting screened like it’s TSA. It’s a little inconvenient for the people that’s got to play, but it is what it is.”
Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns declined to comment directly on Trump’s appearance, instead focusing on the significance of bringing Finals basketball back to Madison Square Garden.
“Fans have earned the right and deserve the right to see Finals basketball played here, at Madison Square Garden,” Towns said. “For it to be a long time to see Finals basketball, it’s up to us to bring it, give ’em something to get loud about, give them something to cheer for, and also give them something to believe in.”
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Teammate OG Anunoby similarly downplayed the visit.
“I think he’ll just be there watching the game,” Anunoby said. “We’re going to go as usual, just play our game, try to win the game.”
Trump later praised the Knicks’ championship run.
“I think the Knicks have an amazing team, the way they played,” Trump, 80, told reporters aboard Air Force One following the series’ second game. “It started off slow and it just got stronger and stronger.”
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