Donald Trump might be headed to Madison Square Garden for the NBA Finals, which honestly sounds like the most New York headline ever created. Basketball, billionaires, politics, celebrities, overpriced pretzels, and somebody yelling from the nosebleeds? Perfect combo.
The President told reporters on Wednesday that New York Knicks owner James Dolan personally invited him to attend an NBA Finals game at MSG. Trump said he’s considering it.
“I think I’ll be going to one of the games,” Trump said. “I was invited by numerous people and Jim [Dolan], and I think I’ll be going.”
Now imagine the scene for a second. The Knicks finally make the Finals, celebrities are packed courtside like sardines, and suddenly Trump walks into the arena. Half the crowd cheers, the other half boos loud enough to crack the Liberty Bell.
The Knicks, after completing a four-game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, are in the Finals for the first time since 1999, but are still waiting to learn their opponent as the Oklahoma City Thunder lead the San Antonio Spurs 3-2 in the Western Conference Finals. Regardless of who emerges from the West, the Knicks will host Games 3 and 4 on June 8 and 10, respectively. Game 6, if the series gets that far, would also take place at Madison Square Garden, this time on June 16.
That gives Trump, a New York City native, three opportunities to attend a game. If he does attend, Trump would be the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game. Trump has regularly attended major sporting events during his presidency, including the College Football Playoff National Championship in Miami in January and Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans last year. Additionally, a UFC event is scheduled to be held on the White House’s South Lawn next month.
Honestly, Madison Square Garden might need extra security, extra popcorn, and maybe a backup scoreboard just in case the drama overloads the building.
Donald Trump reveals that Knicks owner James Dolan has invited him to an NBA Finals game pic.twitter.com/w4PY7pBPim
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 27, 2026
One thing is guaranteed: if Trump does show up, nobody will remember the final score by the next morning. The headlines will be all about who cheered, who booed, and which celebrity looked uncomfortable on camera for three straight hours.
