Trump says NBA is ‘a little left-wing’ but still ‘great entertainment’ after Finals appearance
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Donald Trump put politics aside to praise the NBA after making history with his appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals, even while acknowledging that he still sees the league as leaning to the left politically.
The president attended match between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, becoming the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game.
Trump on the NBA: It’s a little left wing but it’s great entertainment. pic.twitter.com/HSNy1WsMWj
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 9, 2026
Trump calls NBA ‘great entertainment’
After the game, Trump was asked whether he felt the NBA had moved away from its perceived left-leaning culture. While he acknowledged that he still sees the league through that lens, he made it clear that it does not stop him from enjoying the sport.
"It's a little left-wing. I think so, tends to be a little left-wing. But it's great entertainment," Trump said.
The remark came shortly after his historic appearance at Madison Square Garden, where he watched his hometown Knicks take on the San Antonio Spurs in one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
Trump attended the game alongside members of his family. Knicks owner James Dolan was also in the suite, while NBA Commissioner Adam Silver joined the group later in the evening.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was among those present as well.
Trump previously slammed NBA political activism
Trump's relationship with the NBA has not always been positive.
Back in 2020, the president sharply criticized the league after players were allowed to wear social justice messages on their jerseys and several athletes knelt during the national anthem.
At the time, Trump argued that sports leagues risked alienating fans by becoming too political.
"I hope football and baseball are watching and learning because the same thing will be happening to them. Stand tall for our Country and our Flag!!!" Trump posted to X on September 1, 2020.
People are tired of watching the highly political @NBA. Basketball ratings are WAY down, and they won’t be coming back. I hope football and baseball are watching and learning because the same thing will be happening to them. Stand tall for our Country and our Flag!!!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2020
Trump’s NBA Finals visit sparks strong reactions
Trump's presence at Madison Square Garden generated a strong response from fans, a reception that stood in sharp contrast to the reaction he received earlier this year at the college football national championship game in Florida.
The president's visit also led to extensive security arrangements across the area surrounding the arena.
Additional fencing was installed around Madison Square Garden, while Secret Service agents and law enforcement personnel increased their presence to manage security operations. As a result, fans experienced longer-than-usual entry lines and delays entering the venue.
As a result, fans experienced longer-than-usual entry lines and delays before getting inside the venue.
Security concerns also affected nearby events, with several watch parties reportedly being called off. The NYPD said the cancellations were linked to the extra security requirements surrounding Trump's visit.
Since returning to office for his second term, Trump has made appearances at several major sporting events across the country.
His recent sports outings have included the Super Bowl in New Orleans, the Daytona 500, the college football national championship, the men's US Open tennis tournament, and the Ryder Cup.
