Knicks will make history as first NBA team to visit Trump White House

President Donald Trump came to see the Knicks at Madison Square Garden for the NBA Finals.

Now, the champs are returning the favor.

Knicks owner James Dolan confirmed Wednesday during an interview with WFAN that the team will go to the White House to be feted by the president.

It will mark the first time an NBA champion is visiting the White House in either of Trump’s two terms.

“We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted,” Dolan said when asked about a potential visit to the nation’s capital. “We still have to figure out the details, et cetera, 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.”

Rumors were floating online that the Knicks had declined a formal visit, but a White House official told Vanity Fair earlier Wednesday that the speculation was far from the truth.

“This is fake news,” the official told the outlet. “The White House congratulates the Knicks on their championship win and looks forward to discussing a visit in the near future.”

The Thunder, who won the 2025 NBA Finals, did not visit Trump during a March 2026 road trip in Washington, D.C., citing a timing issue.

Trump, a New York native and Knicks fan, became the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game when he came to New York for Game 3. He sat in a suite with his granddaughter, Kai, and Dolan. He was shown on the video board during the national anthem.

After the Knicks rallied to win Game 5 in San Antonio to win their first NBA championship in 53 years, Trump extolled their efforts in a post on social media.

“Congratulations to Jim Dolan and the New York Knicks!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “What incredible playoff wins we have all witnessed, especially the last four – Maybe the greatest in the history of basketball.

“Also tonight, a superstar was born. His name is Jalen Brunson, and there are others, including, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and great patriot, Mitchell Robinson!”

The Celtics were the last team to visit the White House in 2024 when Joe Biden was still commander in chief.