President Trump is set to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs in New York City on June 8. Sources familiar with the plans confirm the president’s attendance. As a native New Yorker and a self-proclaimed Knicks fan, Trump received an invitation from James Dolan, the team’s owner, who has contributed to Trump’s political campaigns.
CBS News reached out to both the White House and Madison Square Garden for comments, following reports by The New York Post and The Athletic about the president’s expected attendance. The Knicks secured a victory against the Spurs in Game 1, winning 105 to 95 in San Antonio.
Authorities are focusing on heightened security for the event, given the arena’s location in the heart of Midtown Manhattan above Penn Station, a significant transit hub. Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City is also planning to attend the game but will do so separately from Mr. Trump.
Previously, Trump had mentioned plans to attend Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the event was unnecessary as the Knicks swept the series in four games. During a May radio interview in New York City, Trump commented on team owner Dolan, stating, “[Dolan’s] entitled to a good team because he’s suffered a little bit,” a nod to the Knicks’ performance in recent decades.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver talked about the league’s preparation for notable attendees at championship games. “What’s really special about sports in our society… brings people together,” Silver stated. He highlighted the game’s ability to create a sense of unity among attendees.
Throughout his second term, Mr. Trump has attended numerous large-scale sporting events, including the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans and this year’s College Football Playoff National Championship in Miami. Former President Barack Obama was the last sitting president to attend an NBA game, viewing a match between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015.
Trump’s Past Criticisms of the NBA
During his presidency, Mr. Trump was vocal about his disagreement with NBA players kneeling during the national anthem to protest police violence. “People are tired of watching the highly political @NBA. Basketball ratings are WAY down,” he tweeted in September 2020.
Trump clashed with NBA star LeBron James and criticized elite players and coaches, such as Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr, over their stances on various topics, including US-China relations. His opinionated comments frequently sparked public responses.
Trump’s Previous NBA Affiliation
Before entering politics, Mr. Trump was an NBA supporter and an admirer of LeBron James. He expressed his backing for James when he played for the Miami Heat, congratulating him on an NBA title in 2012. Trump’s presence was common at Knicks games held at Madison Square Garden.
During a 2010 recruitment drive led by James Dolan, Trump tried to attract LeBron James to the Knicks. Trump expressed, “The real winners of the world want to be here… This is the place the real winners want to be.”
In 2012, he supported Knicks player Jeremy Lin during the “Linsanity” period. His connection with the Knicks waned over time, with one of his last comments on the team in December 2013 criticizing their performance compared to their predicted success.