Sports

Knicks Owner James Dolan Confirms White House Visit Plans

The New York Knicks will become the first NBA champion to visit President Trump at the White House.

New York Knicks owner James Dolan, who invited President Trump to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, confirmed on Wednesday that the team has accepted an invitation to visit the White House in honor of their 2026 championship. The Knicks topped the Spurs, 4-1, in the NBA Finals.

Dolan, a close friend of President Trump, appeared on "The Craig Carton Show" on Wednesday, where he confirmed his team's plans.

"We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted. We still have to figure out the details, etc., but yes, of course. Look, I invited the president to come down for the game. He is a friend, I've known him for 30 years and I'm very proud to bring the team to the White House," he said during an appearance on "The Craig Carton Show" on Wednesday.

 Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; The New York Knicks and owner James Dolan celebrate after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in game five of the 2026 NBA Finals to win the 2026 NBA Championship at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; The New York Knicks and owner James Dolan celebrate after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in game five of the 2026 NBA Finals to win the 2026 NBA Championship at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images © Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

The Knicks, if they do end up visiting the White House, would become the first NBA champion to visit President Trump.

Here's what the last 10 NBA champions have done:

  • 2016-17 Golden State Warriors: No visit
  • 2017-18 Golden State Warriors: No visit
  • 2018-19 Toronto Raptors: No visit
  • 2019-20 Los Angeles Lakers: No visit due to COVID-19
  • 2020-21 Milwaukee Bucks: Visited President Biden
  • 2021-22 Golden State Warriors: Visited President Biden
  • 2022-23 Denver Nuggets: No visit
  • 2023-24 Boston Celtics: No visit
  • 2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder: No visit

Knicks guard Jose Alvarado was asked about the White House visit, too

Alvarado was asked by TMZ Sports on Wednesday if he would be attending the team's White House visit, should it happen.

Alvarado, who played a larger-than-expected role in the team's NBA Finals win, said that he would make the visit, if his teammates decided to do it.

"If there's a chance, I'm going wherever my teammate goes," Alvarado said to TMZ Sports.

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