Obama, Schumer, Hochul celebrate Knicks ending 53-year drought as Dolan: 'I'm sorry it took so long'

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: After the New York Knicks captured their first NBA championship in more than half a century, political leaders across the country joined fans in celebrating the franchise's long-awaited triumph.

Former President Barack Obama, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul were among those who turned to social media to congratulate the Knicks after they ended a 53-year title drought. Knicks owner James Dolan also delivered a heartfelt message to fans, thanking them for standing by the team through decades of disappointment.

Political leaders celebrate Knicks ending 53-year title drought

Obama was among the first prominent political figures to react, praising head coach Mike Brown and Finals MVP Jalen Brunson while recognizing the team's remarkable postseason run.

Congrats to Coach Brown, Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, OG, and the rest of these incredible NBA Champion @NYKnicks! What a run!" the former president wrote on social media.

Schumer, a longtime Knicks fan, celebrated with a pair of enthusiastic posts.

"NEW YORK CITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" he wrote before adding, "KNICKS IN FIVE!"

Gov. Kathy Hochul also congratulated the team, writing, "What a team and what a season. To our world champion @nyknicks: you've made all New Yorkers so proud."

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined the celebrations with a brief message, posting, "New York Stand Up," along with blue and orange emojis in support of the Knicks.

"New York Stand Up," Jeffries wrote.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker singled out Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, highlighting the guard's roots in his home state.

"From Stevenson High School to NBA Finals MVP. Illinois is proud of you, Jalen," Pritzker wrote.

The outpouring of messages reflected the significance of the Knicks ending one of the NBA's longest championship droughts, with leaders from New York and beyond celebrating a title that many fans had waited decades to witness.

James Dolan thanks Knicks fans after championship victory

Following the victory, Dolan addressed Knicks fans directly, thanking them for standing by the franchise through more than five decades without an NBA championship.

"Hey New York, I'm sorry it took so long, but here we are, and hopefully it won't take that long again," he said, drawing attention to the team's first title since 1973.

Dolan also expressed gratitude to the players, coaching staff, basketball operations personnel and the fan base that continued supporting the franchise throughout its championship drought.

Led by Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and first-year head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks capped off a historic postseason run that ignited excitement throughout New York and produced one of the biggest moments in franchise history.

After the final buzzer, fans flooded the streets around Madison Square Garden and across the city's five boroughs, celebrating a long-awaited championship that quickly became one of the defining sports moments of the year.

From elected officials and celebrities to former players, congratulations poured in for the Knicks on their triumph, highlighting the significance of ending a 53-year drought and restoring one of the NBA's most iconic franchises to the pinnacle of the league.