Donald Trump may not have a fondness for the NBA, but his presence definitely stirred things up. On Monday night, as he was expected to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City, a crowd of basketball fans at Madison Square Garden made their frustrations known, pushing for camera time.
Knicks owner James Dolan, a vocal Trump supporter and, according to some, a less-than-stellar musician, invited the president to the game. Unfortunately for him, this decision didn’t sit well with many dedicated fans who love the NBA and have supported the Knicks despite Dolan’s tumultuous ownership.
With ticket prices climbing into the tens of thousands, Knicks fans often gather for viewing parties outside Madison Square Garden. However, the NYPD and Secret Service canceled these events for the game, citing security issues related to the president’s attendance. Fans who decided to go to the game would face tightened ‘TSA-style’ security checks, pushing their arrival time to two hours before the game started. On top of that, a ban on all bags was enforced, including the clear bags typically allowed in NBA venues. It remains uncertain how this may impact those with medical or childcare needs.
In reaction to the watch party cancellation, New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani proposed an alternative: a gathering for 5,000 fans at Bryant Park, about eight blocks from the arena. While this initiative aims to soften the blow of the watch party ban, it’s unlikely to fully accommodate the number of fans who would have otherwise been outside Madison Square Garden. For instance, around 10,000 fans turned out for the Game 1 viewing party on West 33rd Street, while over 6,000 attended the Eastern Conference Finals.
Ultimately, this situation could have been avoided. While Dolan had every right to invite Trump, it effectively alienated the loyal fan base that has endured a 20-year NBA Finals drought, cheering for the Knicks through thick and thin. These die-hard supporters, who are deeply passionate about their team, are now being pushed away due to the presence of a president who clearly doesn’t share their love for the league or its players.
