New York Knicks to Celebrate NBA Championship at the White House

The New York Knicks will visit the White House to commemorate their NBA championship, confirmed an administration official to NBC News. President Donald Trump’s hometown team will mark the first NBA champions to visit the White House during his presidency. Knicks owner James Dolan broke the news in an interview with WFAN sports radio.

“We did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted,” Dolan stated. “We have to work out the details, but yes, of course.” A White House official informed NBC News that they have “been in touch with the Knicks and look forward to hosting the team at a future date.”

Dolan praised his long-standing relationship with Trump, having invited him to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. “I invited the President for the game. He is a friend, and I’ve known him for 30 years. I’m proud to bring the team to the White House,” Dolan expressed. Despite Trump’s presence at the game, he was met with boos, in the only game the Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs during the finals.

Trump watched the game from Dolan’s box with several administration officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and others. Trump congratulated the Knicks’ victory on Truth Social, praising players like Jalen Brunson and Mitchell Robinson. “Incredible playoff wins, especially the last four — Maybe the greatest in basketball history,” he wrote.

The Knicks’ visit follows a gap since NBA championship teams last visited the White House. In recent years, teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors did not attend. In one instance, Stephen Curry declined interest in visiting, prompting Trump to withdraw the invitation.

During Trump’s previous term, the Los Angeles Lakers did not visit the White House, partially due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Trump previously stated he wouldn’t invite LeBron James following his criticisms of Trump. Last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder also opted out of a White House visit due to “timing” issues.

Under President Joe Biden, several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Warriors, and Boston Celtics, resumed White House visits in 2021, 2023, and 2024.