The New York Knicks are going to the White House after their impressive win in the NBA finals after 53 years.
James Dolan, the owner of the Knicks, revealed during an appearance on WFAN New York that the team has accepted an invitation from the White House following its championship victory.
When asked if he was looking forward to the White House invitation, he said, “Thank you for asking me that. We just received an invitation from the White House, which we accepted.”
“We still have to figure out the details.”
This invitation comes just a few days after the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game five of the 2026 NBA Finals. This feat earned the team the first championship title after 53 years.
After that, Dolan, 71, went on to speak about his relationship with the current United States President, Donald Trump. During the game on June 8 at Madison Square Garden, Trump attended the Finals game. He said, “I invited the President to come down for the game. 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 was present in a private box with his granddaughter, Kai Trump. His presence on the ground garnered multiple headlines throughout the night. Some fans even started booing the president inside Madison Square Garden. He faced criticism after appearing to fall asleep during the portions of the game.
After the conclusion of the game, players from both teams were asked about the presence of Donald Trump. De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs star, acknowledged that the security was heightened during that specific game.
Here is what Fox said, “I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient for everybody else.”
“We’re getting screened like it’s TSA. It’s a little inconvenient for the people that have to play, but it is what it is.”
When Karl-Anthony Towns was quipped about the same, he refrained from commenting on Trump; instead, he chose to discuss the significance of bringing the Finals back to Madison Square Garden. He said, “Fans have earned the right and deserve the right to see Finals basketball played here, at Madison Square Garden.”
“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.”
