President Trump’s Planned Attendance at NBA Finals in New York

President Trump is set to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 8. Sources close to the situation confirm his plans, as he is invited by Knicks’ owner James Dolan, who is a supporter of Trump’s political campaigns.

CBS News has sought comments from both the White House and Madison Square Garden following the initial reports from The New York Post and The Athletic about Trump’s planned appearance. Notably, the Knicks emerged victorious in Game 1, defeating the Spurs 105 to 95.

“Dolan’s entitled to a good team because he’s suffered a little bit,” Trump commented during a radio interview, addressing the Knicks’ performance issues in recent years.

Due to the president’s presence, law enforcement is working on heightened security measures for the event. Madison Square Garden, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, also sits above Penn Station, a major transit hub. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is also expected to attend Game 3, although separately from Trump, according to the New York Post.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver commented on Trump’s possible attendance, emphasizing the communal aspect of sports, which he believes fosters connectivity within the increasingly divided society.

Trump’s attendance at significant sporting events is not unprecedented, with him frequenting top events like the 2025 Super Bowl and the College Football Playoff National Championship game. Former President Barack Obama was the last sitting president to attend an NBA game in 2015.

However, Trump’s relationship with the NBA has included criticism during his presidency. Particularly during his first term, Trump disapproved of NBA players kneeling during the national anthem, citing a decline in basketball viewership.

“People are tired of watching the highly political @NBA. Basketball ratings are WAY down, and they won’t be coming back,” Trump tweeted in September 2020.

Trump also publicly feuded with LeBron James over political differences. A notable incident involved the White House retracting an invitation to the Golden State Warriors, with James criticizing Trump’s decision.

Further, Trump accused NBA figures like Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich of hypocrisy for refraining from criticizing China amid political tensions, contrasting their criticisms of the United States.

Despite these tense interactions, Trump’s pre-White House days saw a favorable view of the NBA and individual players like LeBron James, evident in his supportive tweets during their championship pursuits.

Historically, Trump has been a Knicks fan, regularly attending games at Madison Square Garden. His involvement even extended to a 2010 campaign aiming to recruit James to the Knicks. Publicly, Trump has expressed belief in New York as a destination for winners.

During a Knicks halftime interview in 2010, Trump teased potential political ambitions and entertainment appearances, showcasing the multifaceted nature of his public persona.

Trump’s past engagements also included both criticism and support for the Knicks, highlighted by his comments on the underperformance of New York teams despite significant investments.