The New York Knicks are set to make history again after winning their first NBA championship in 53 years.
Team owner James Dolan said the Knicks have accepted an invitation to visit President Donald Trump at the White House following their 2026 NBA Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
The visit would make the Knicks the first NBA championship team to visit the White House during Trump’s presidency. While championship teams traditionally visit the president after winning a title, NBA teams did not make a White House visit during Trump’s first term.
Dolan confirmed the team’s decision during a radio interview, saying the Knicks plan to go but still need to work out the details and timing of the visit.
The announcement comes after Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks hosted the Spurs. Trump was invited by Dolan, who has described him as a longtime friend.
The planned visit may still draw mixed reactions. White House visits by championship teams have become more politically sensitive in recent years, with some athletes and teams choosing not to attend because of personal or political reasons.
However, Knicks guard Jose Alvarado said he would likely go if his teammates go, suggesting at least some players may support attending as a team.
For the Knicks, the White House visit would add another chapter to a historic season. The team ended a 53-year title drought, brought a championship back to New York, and now appears ready to take part in one of American sports’ most symbolic traditions.
