New York Knicks owner James Dolan has confirmed the team will make an official visit to the White House after winning the 2026 NBA championship. Speaking Wednesday on The Carton Show on WFAN, Dolan revealed an invitation from President Donald Trump has already been accepted, even as some players may not share his enthusiasm.
“As a matter of fact, thank you for asking me that. We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted,” Dolan said. “We still have to figure out the details, et cetera, but you know, yes, of course. I mean, you know, look, I invited the president to come down for the game, right? He is a friend. I’ve known him for 30, for 30 years. And I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House.”
The announcement raises immediate questions about how the Knicks’ roster will respond. Just before Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, an old tweet from Knicks guard Josh Hart resurfaced. In it, Hart wrote: “YESSIR!!!! GET TRUMP’S DUMBA** OUT THE WHITE HOUSE!!!!!!”
A Friendship That Precedes the Title
Dolan made clear his personal relationship with Trump played a role. He described their decades-long friendship and noted he had invited the president to a Finals game earlier in the series. Trump attended Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, drawing a mix of cheers and boos from the crowd.
“First time ever for a president for any NBA Finals,” Dolan added, emphasizing the historical nature of the invitation. He framed the visit as a celebration for the entire country to witness.
Players Face an Awkward Decision
Visiting the White House has long been a politically charged tradition in professional sports. While some teams have embraced the honor, others have declined or sparked controversy — most notably when several Golden State Warriors players skipped a White House visit during Trump’s first term.
At the time, Warriors star Stephen Curry said he would not attend, leading Trump to withdraw the invitation on Twitter. The incident became a flashpoint in the ongoing clash between sports and politics.
Now the Knicks are in a similar position, but without the option to quietly duck the issue. Dolan has made his stance clear: the team accepted the invitation. Whether every player will attend remains unconfirmed.
What Comes Next
The Knicks have not yet announced a date for the visit, as Dolan noted details are still being worked out. But the conversation has already begun — online, in locker rooms, and among fans. Some will see it as a proud moment for a championship team. Others will view it as a forced political statement.
One thing is certain: this White House trip will be watched closely. And it will add another layer to what has already been a unforgettable title run for a franchise that waited decades to return to the top.
Leave a Comment