The New York Knicks will celebrate their long-awaited NBA championship with a visit to the White House after officially accepting an invitation from President Donald Trump.

Team owner James Dolan confirmed the decision during a radio appearance on June 17, saying the organization recently received the invitation and agreed to participate. Details of the visit are still being finalized.

A Championship 53 Years in the Making

The invitation comes after the Knicks captured their first NBA title since 1973, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

The victory ended one of the longest championship droughts in professional sports and sparked celebrations throughout New York City, where generations of fans had waited decades to see the franchise return to the top.

Dolan Reflects on Trump Relationship

During the interview, Dolan also discussed his longtime friendship with Trump, saying he has known the president for roughly three decades.

Dolan revealed that he personally invited Trump to attend a Finals game at Madison Square Garden earlier in the series. The president’s appearance generated significant attention both inside and outside the arena.

Trump’s Finals Appearance Made Headlines

Trump attended Game 2 of the Finals alongside his granddaughter, Kai Trump, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game in person.

While many fans welcomed the historic moment, others voiced their opinions during pregame introductions. The appearance quickly became one of the most talked-about storylines of the series beyond the action on the court.

Players Focused on Basketball

Despite the attention surrounding the president’s attendance, Knicks players largely avoided political discussions. Stars including Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby emphasized their focus on bringing a championship back to Madison Square Garden.

Their approach paid off as the team completed an impressive postseason run that restored the Knicks to championship status for the first time in more than five decades.

What’s Next for the Champions?

The White House visit will serve as another milestone in a memorable year for the franchise. Championship teams from major American sports leagues have traditionally been invited to celebrate their accomplishments in Washington, regardless of the administration in office.

For Knicks fans, however, the larger story remains the same: after 53 years of waiting, the Larry O’Brien Trophy is finally back in New York.