President Trump’s Planned Attendance at NBA Finals in NYC
Sources indicate President Trump is set to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8. The President, known as a Knicks fan, was invited by James Dolan, the Knicks’ owner, who has contributed to Trump’s political campaigns.
CBS News has reached out to the White House and Madison Square Garden for comments. News outlets like The New York Post and The Athletic first reported on this planned attendance. The Knicks won Game 1 against the Spurs in San Antonio, finishing 105 to 95.
Law enforcement personnel are preparing heightened security measures for the event, given the arena’s location above Penn Station, a major transit hub. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is also expected to attend but plans to stay separate from Trump.
“[Dolan’s] entitled to a good team because he’s suffered a little bit,” Trump commented previously regarding the Knicks’ historical performance.
Despite previously intending to attend Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, no such game took place as the Knicks won the series in four games.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted the significance of sports in creating connectivity in a divided society, referencing Trump’s attendance.
During his second term, Trump attended notable sporting events like the 2025 Super Bowl and the College Football Playoff National Championship game of 2026. His presence at an NBA game is notable due to historical support as a businessman, yet criticisms during his presidency.
Trump’s Criticism of the NBA
Throughout Trump’s first term, he criticized NBA players protesting police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem. He noted in 2020 that basketball ratings declined due to political stances.
Trump also publicly feuded with NBA star LeBron James after withdrawing the White House invitation to the Golden State Warriors’ 2017 championship celebration. James reacted to Trump’s stance regarding Curry’s hesitation to attend the White House visit.
Trump called James “the dumbest man on television” in response to a CNN interview facilitated by Don Lemon. Expressing admiration for Michael Jordan over James was part of Trump’s public debate on the greatest basketball player.
He criticized Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and former Warriors coach Steve Kerr for not condemning China while expressing criticism toward the U.S.
Spurs’ player Victor Wembanyama has openly criticized Trump’s immigration policies, expressing horror at civilian murders presented in news reports.
Trump’s Positive History with NBA
Prior to his presidency, Trump supported the NBA as a fan. He rooted for the Miami Heat in 2012, celebrating their championship win, and congratulated the Spurs in 2014. Trump was a regular courtside presence at Knicks games, attending the 1994 NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets.
In 2010, Trump participated in a campaign to entice LeBron James to join the Knicks, advocating New York as a prime destination.
At a 2010 Knicks game, he did not dismiss a presidential run in 2012 or appearing on “Dancing with the Stars.” During the “Linsanity” period in 2012, he supported Knicks guard Jeremy Lin.
In December 2013, Trump posted about the Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets poor performances despite expectations and investments in these teams.