Knicks Center Karl-Anthony Towns Responds to James Dolan’s Celibacy Joke

Karl-Anthony Towns, the center for the Knicks, recently shared his fiancée Jordyn Woods’ less-than-enthusiastic reaction to a lighthearted 10-week celibacy suggestion made by team owner James Dolan ahead of the team’s anticipated NBA Championship run in 2026.

During a Tuesday interview on SiriusXM’s “Howard Stern Show,” Towns reflected on Dolan’s playful pre-playoff speech. When Stern asked if Towns took Dolan seriously, he replied, “I’m happily engaged. When I mention this to my fiancée, she’s definitely going to say it’s not a conversation she wants to have.”

With a chuckle, when Stern pressed further, Towns assured that, “I think she’s pretty happy.”

Dolan’s speech stirred quite a bit of conversation, particularly after it aired on the podcast “Roommates,” hosted by Knicks players Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. In his 15-minute address, Dolan humorously suggested, “Maybe we shouldn’t have sex for the next 10 weeks,” drawing laughter from the players. He likened the idea to the sacrifices made by Spartans, emphasizing the potential edge such sacrifices could provide.

He added, “Go home and talk to your wives. Don’t say you’re not going to have sex. And don’t say that was my idea. Just communicate what the commitment is going to be.”

Dolan also mentioned he’d cover the cost of championship rings for the wives and significant others of each player.

Towns and Woods, who first connected through mutual friends, recently celebrated their six-year anniversary in May. Towns proposed on Christmas Eve in New York City, a moment he made quite a fuss about.

“That woman is special,” Towns said about Woods. “We’ve been engaged since Christmas Eve, together for six years, and beforehand we were best friends for two-and-a-half years.” He highlighted how supportive Woods was during challenging times, especially after both of their families faced losses. “She’s already been through a lot, and I’ve trusted her advice during key moments in my life.”

Concluding, he remarked, “It’s a rare find, so I had to put a ring on it. I couldn’t let her go anywhere else.” Woods is expected to be present at the Knicks’ victory parade in New York, which kicks off Thursday at 10 a.m. ET.