The reigning NBA champion New York Knicks have not decided whether to take the traditional champions’ visit to President Donald Trump’s White House, according to coverage from the New York Post and a team media clip shared by SNY Knicks on X.
Coach on the record
Asked about a White House trip after the team’s first practice of the new season, head coach Mike Brown said the Knicks are still talking it through. “No, that’s still something that our guys, the organization, is internally discussing,” Brown said. “Whatever we decide to do, we’ll all do together,” per video posted by SNY Knicks on Sept. 29, 2026.
Owner’s earlier commitment vs. current uncertainty
The Post reported the Knicks are “internally discussing” the visit despite team owner James Dolan previously committing to attend a ceremony at the White House. The source piece characterized Dolan’s commitment as months old, without citing a date for that pledge.
Timing and precedent
The Post also reported the Knicks would have ample time to make a White House stop during an upcoming road trip that includes a game at the Washington Wizards.
ESPN previously reported the Oklahoma City Thunder did not visit the White House last season, citing “timing” issues, according to the source article. The source further noted that during Trump’s first term, the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors (twice) did not make the trip; the Warriors were later disinvited after Stephen Curry publicly expressed apprehension about visiting. By contrast, the source said three of four NBA champions visited the White House under former President Joe Biden.
Notable ties
The source article said Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden and, citing ESPN, described Trump as close with Knicks owner James Dolan.
What’s next
The team has not announced a decision. Brown’s comments indicate any action will be taken collectively, per SNY Knicks’ video.
