The Knicks kicked off the 2025-26 NBA season in style, celebrating their championship with a ring ceremony that attracted a host of famous fans eager to see the team defend its title.
At Madison Square Garden, many celebrities who cheered the Knicks during their playoff journey last spring returned for the opener. Spike Lee was hard to miss, donning a vibrant orange-and-blue pinstriped suit, along with “Law & Order: SVU” actress Mariska Hargitay, comedian Tracy Morgan, and actor Ben Stiller.
During the pre-game festivities, Hargitay embraced Morgan warmly, while Stiller was caught in the act of taking a snapshot. Morgan expressed his excitement on “NBA Showtime,” saying, “I know I’m going to cry tonight. It’s been a long time and then we going to turn the page. It’s time to defend now… We going to run it back… I’m not scared. We not scared of nobody.”
Other notable attendees included Fat Joe, Edie Falco, Steve Schirripa, John Turturro, Action Bronson, and Sam Morril.
Jordyn Woods, who recently married Karl-Anthony Towns, was also present, marking the occasion with a gold bag that honored the ring ceremony.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was spotted courtside, enjoying the game as the Knicks unveiled their championship banner.
Mets owner Steve Cohen and former presidential candidate Chris Christie were seen in the stands, adding to the star-studded atmosphere.
Interestingly, one high-profile fan was absent: “Dune” actor Timothée Chalamet, who had been a prominent supporter during the Knicks’ championship run.
Morgan reflected on the Knicks’ passionate fan base, stating, “The Knicks fan base needs to be studied and observed. We move. We take over stadiums. What the Knicks did doesn’t go down in basketball. That happens in soccer. We pulled four million people together and we got a glimpse of greatness.”
