Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City, where the New York Knicks will face off against the San Antonio Spurs on June 8, as reported by sources close to the situation.
Trump, a lifelong resident of New York and a self-professed supporter of the Knicks, received an invitation from team owner James Dolan, who has contributed to Trump’s political campaigns in the past.
Both the White House and Madison Square Garden have been contacted by CBS News for their comments regarding Trump’s attendance. The news about his plans was initially revealed by The New York Post and The Athletic.
In the series, the Knicks secured victory in Game 1 against the Spurs, winning 105 to 95 on Wednesday night.
According to law enforcement sources, preparations for enhanced security measures are underway for the event, which is located in the bustling Midtown Manhattan area, directly above Penn Station, a key transportation hub.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is also expected to be present at Game 3, as noted by The New York Post. He has indicated that he will attend the game independently of Trump.
In May, Trump had expressed his intention to be present at Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, where the Knicks were set to compete against the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the Knicks completed a sweep of the series, eliminating the need for a Game 5.
During a radio interview in New York City, Trump remarked on the challenges faced by Dolan and expressed hope that the Knicks would achieve success, acknowledging the team’s struggles over the years.
When asked on Wednesday how the NBA prepares for the presence of “unique individuals” at championship games, Commissioner Adam Silver alluded to Trump’s potential attendance, emphasizing the unifying power of sports in a divided society.
Throughout his time in office, Trump has made appearances at several major sporting events, including the 2025 Super Bowl and the College Football Playoff National Championship this year.
Barack Obama was the last sitting president to attend an NBA game, which took place in 2015 when he watched the Chicago Bulls defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Trump’s upcoming presence at an NBA game is noteworthy, considering his previous support for the league as a businessman in New York City, contrasted with his critical stance while in office.
During his presidency, Trump frequently criticized NBA players for kneeling during the national anthem in protest of police violence, stating that audiences were weary of the league’s political stance.
He also engaged in a public dispute with NBA star LeBron James, particularly after the White House rescinded an invitation to the Golden State Warriors following their 2017 championship win. James had expressed his disapproval of Trump’s withdrawal of the invite, emphasizing that Curry had already indicated he would not attend.
Trump’s criticism extended to NBA coaches Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich, whom he accused of double standards regarding their comments about the U.S. compared to China.
Victor Wembanyama, a standout player for the Spurs and a French native, has openly criticized Trump’s immigration policies during his second term.
Despite recent tensions, Trump’s relationship with the NBA was once positive. Prior to his presidency, he was an avid fan of the league and praised players like LeBron James, even congratulating him on his success in 2012.
Trump was a familiar face at Knicks games, often seen courtside at Madison Square Garden for significant playoff matches, including the 1994 NBA Finals where the Knicks faced the Houston Rockets.
In 2010, Trump participated in a campaign led by Dolan aimed at enticing James to join the Knicks, asserting that New York is where “the real winners want to be.”
Additionally, during a halftime interview at a Knicks game in 2010, Trump left the door open for a potential presidential run in 2012, as well as an appearance on “Dancing with the Stars.” He also supported the “Linsanity” phenomenon of former Knicks guard Jeremy Lin in 2012.
