The New York Knicks seem quite adamant about distancing themselves from Zoran Mamdani, who is leading in the mayoral race next month. Earlier in the year, phrases like “Globalize the Intifada” were chanted, leading to accusations of anti-Semitism against him.
An NBA team issued a legal warning to the Socialist Party lawmaker after he featured their well-known brand in a campaign advertisement. This footage found its way onto social media and even aired during the Knicks’ season opener.
The ad showcased the team’s blue and orange logo prominently, but substituted “Knicks” with “Zoran.” A social media post accompanying the ad read, “This is our year. It’s our time.”
In a cease-and-desist letter to Mamdani, reported by the New York Post, it claimed the ad “could mislead the public into believing that the campaign is affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed by, or otherwise connected to the Knicks.”
After the Knicks’ request, Mamdani’s team took down the ads by Friday afternoon.
A spokesman for the Knicks clarified to the Post, “The New York Knicks have sent a cease-and-desist letter to New York City mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani for his use of the New York Knicks logo to promote his candidacy. The Knicks want to make it clear that we do not support Mr. Mamdani as a mayoral candidate. We oppose the use of the copyrighted logo and will pursue all legal remedies to enforce our rights.”
Dora Pekek, a representative from the Mamdani campaign, stated, “While advertising is being adjusted and the Knicks may not be able to publicly endorse our campaign, we are proud to publicly endorse the New York Knicks,” as mentioned by Bloomberg.
According to recent public opinion polls, Mamdani is positioned to become New York City’s next mayor, holding an 18-point lead over former governor Andrew Cuomo. The poll indicates Mamdani at 46.7% support, while Cuomo sits at 28.6%, followed by Curtis Sliwa with 16.2% backing.
Mayor Eric Adams, on Thursday, expressed his support for Cuomo while wearing a Knicks hat. He mentioned, “Am I mad that I’m not the one pulling down the socialist and communist Zoran? You’re right, I am. But you know what? This city means more to me than anything. And it’s time for our family to come together.”
Continuing, he said, “Ladies and gentlemen, New York cannot be Europe. I don’t know what’s wrong with people. You see what’s happening in other countries because of Islamic extremism.”
