New York Knicks owner James Dolan announced on June 17, 2026, that the team will be the first NBA champion to visit President Donald Trump at the White House after accepting an invitation. Dolan stated during an interview on New York’s WFAN, "We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted. We still have to figure out the details, etc., but yes, of course. Look, 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."
Dolan previously invited Trump to Game 3 of the NBA Finals, where the Knicks played against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. During the game, Trump was booed by spectators when he was highlighted during the national anthem. The Knicks lost the game 115-111, marking their only defeat in the series.
When asked about the potential visit, guard Jose Alvarado expressed support for his teammates, stating, "If there’s a chance, I’m going wherever my teammate goes." However, teammate Josh Hart had previously expressed disapproval of Trump on social media.
The Knicks' visit marks the first time an NBA team will visit the White House during Trump's nonconsecutive terms. Other teams, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors, have declined invitations in the past due to various reasons. The White House has not yet commented on the announcement, but an official previously dismissed rumors about the Knicks not attending as "fake news."