James Dolan confirms Knicks will visit White House: 'Trump is a friend, I've known him 30 years'

WASHINGTON, DC: Knicks owner James Dolan has confirmed the New York Knicks will visit President Donald Trump’s White House, ending online speculation that the NBA champions planned to decline the invitation.

Rumors that the Knicks might skip the visit circulated online in recent days. The team is now set to become the first NBA champion to visit the White House during either of Trump's two terms.

James Dolan confirms White House visit

Speaking on WFAN, the Knicks owner said the organization had already accepted an invitation from the White House.

“We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted,” Dolan said when asked about a possible trip to Washington.

He added that details still need to be finalized but made clear the team intends to go. “We still have to figure out the details, et cetera, but yes, of course,” Dolan said. “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.”

The confirmation puts to rest reports and social media speculation suggesting the Knicks had turned down a formal invitation following their championship run.

White House rejects Knicks rumor

Before Dolan's interview, a White House official had already pushed back on claims that the team would refuse a visit.

“This is fake news,” the official told Vanity Fair.

“The White House congratulates the Knicks on their championship win and looks forward to discussing a visit in the near future,” the official added.

The visit would mark a notable first during Trump's time in office. No NBA champion visited the White House during his first term, and none had done so during his current term before the Knicks accepted the invitation.

The most recent NBA championship team to make the traditional White House trip was the Boston Celtics in 2024, while Joe Biden was president.

Trump celebrated Knicks' title run

The announcement comes after Trump publicly embraced the Knicks during their championship season.

The president, a New York native and longtime Knicks fan, attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York, becoming the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game.

He watched from a suite alongside his granddaughter Kai and Dolan and appeared on the arena video board during the national anthem.

After New York secured its first NBA championship in 53 years by defeating San Antonio in Game 5, Trump praised the team in a Truth Social post.

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

Trump also singled out several players, writing, “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 Oklahoma City Thunder, winners of the 2025 NBA Finals, did not visit Trump during a March 2026 trip to Washington, citing a timing issue.