NEW YORK – A public dispute has emerged between New York Knicks owner James Dolan and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani before a critical Knicks game. The disagreement started when plans for a watch party outside Madison Square Garden were canceled. The NYPD stated there would be no watch party for Game 3 due to President Donald Trump’s presence in the area.

Dolan subsequently canceled the watch party scheduled for Game 4, which was intended for 1,000 fans with tickets. On Wednesday, Dolan told WFAN, “This is about celebrating the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of basketball. The mayor’s office and the commissioner’s office are opposing such celebrations.”

At 5 p.m. ET, Mayor Mamdani responded on social media, stating that MSG requested the permit for 500-999 fans and that Dolan “decided to cancel the watch party.” He suggested that MSG made this decision independently.

Shortly before Game 4 began, MSG issued a statement explaining their position. “Madison Square Garden and the New York Knicks declined to use the permit granted due to the limitation of 1,000 people. Many fans would be excluded from celebrating. It was not fair to allow a small group while leaving others out,” the statement said.

The City Reporter found that MSG’s permit application allowed for an unspecified number of attendees. An earlier city-hosted watch party at Bryant Park saw disturbances, a recurring issue during the Knicks’ playoff run.

Mayor Mamdani’s previous activities, such as attending the 2025 New York City Pride March, highlight his active city involvement. Meanwhile, Dolan remarked that accessing ‘Area 51’ would be easier than entering MSG on game days, pointing to tight security and crowds.