President Trump plans to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City, where the New York Knicks will face the San Antonio Spurs on June 8. Sources familiar with the arrangements confirmed this information.
Trump, a self-described Knicks fan and native New Yorker, was reportedly invited by the Knicks’ owner, James Dolan. Dolan has previously contributed to Trump’s political campaigns. Attempts to contact the White House and Madison Square Garden for comments have been made by CBS News.
This information was initially reported by The New York Post and The Athletic. The Knicks secured a victory in Game 1 of the finals in San Antonio, winning 105-95.
Law enforcement is working on increased security for the event due to the arena’s location above Penn Station, a significant transit hub in Midtown Manhattan.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also intends to attend Game 3 but has expressed plans to attend separately from Trump.
Previously, Trump had indicated plans to attend Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers. However, this game was unnecessary as the Knicks swept the series in four games. During an interview, Trump commented on Dolan’s right to a skilled team given the Knicks’ past performance challenges.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver mentioned the potential for Trump’s attendance, highlighting sports’ unique ability to unite people despite societal divisions.
Throughout his second term, Trump has attended notable sporting events, such as the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans and this year’s College Football Playoff National Championship game in Miami.
Former President Barack Obama was the last sitting president to attend an NBA game in 2015, witnessing the Chicago Bulls defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Trump’s NBA Critique
Despite his former enthusiasm, Trump’s relationship with the NBA has been tense. In his first term, he frequently criticized players who kneeled during the national anthem, tweeting in 2020 that people were tired of the politicized NBA, which he claimed led to reduced ratings.
Trump also had a public conflict with NBA star LeBron James after the White House rescinded an invitation to the Golden State Warriors in 2017. This ensued after Warriors’ player Stephen Curry was noncommittal about attending the traditional White House visit.
In response, James tweeted criticism of Trump, endorsing Trump’s Democratic opponents instead.
Following a CNN interview, Trump belittled James and interviewer Don Lemon via Twitter. Trump also accused NBA coaches Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich of hypocrisy concerning their comments about China compared to the United States.
Spurs’ player Victor Wembanyama has publicly criticized Trump’s immigration policies, expressing his concerns following incidents involving civilian shootings.
Trump’s Previous NBA Support
Trump’s history with the NBA has not always been strained. As an NBA fan and businessman, he praised LeBron James in 2012 and courtsided Knicks games regularly at Madison Square Garden.
In 2010, he joined Dolan’s campaign to attract James to the Knicks.
During a 2010 Knicks game, Trump hinted at a presidential run in an interview. In 2012, he supported Knicks player Jeremy Lin during the player’s brief surge in popularity known as ‘Linsanity.’ December of 2013 saw Trump’s last tweet about the Knicks, criticizing the team’s and the Nets’ performances.
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