Director Spike Lee expressed his hope that the New York Knicks will decline an invitation to visit the White House following their 2026 NBA Finals victory, according to a Variety interview.
Lee, a prominent Knicks fan and vocal critic of President Donald Trump, stated that he believes team owner James Dolan, described as a Trump ally, is attempting to compel the players to attend the traditional post-championship White House ceremony. However, Lee asserted that Dolan cannot force the team to go.
"He can’t force them! It’s been years since the last NBA team has gone. They’re not going. I hope they don’t go! I hope they don’t go," Lee told Variety.
The Knicks ended a 53-year championship drought by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals. The team's victory was met with widespread celebration, but the prospect of a White House visit has become a point of contention.
During the interview, Lee also referenced a moment during Game 3 of the NBA Finals, where President Trump attended a game at Madison Square Garden. The Spurs won that particular game, leading to speculation among some, including media personalities, that Trump's presence brought the Knicks bad luck. Lee agreed with the sentiment, suggesting that Dolan's invitation to Trump was not a coincidence and contributed to the Knicks' loss that day.
Amidst the discussion, some commentators, like Elizabeth Pipko, a former Republican National Committee national spokesperson, argued that athletes with large platforms should engage in dialogue even with those they disagree with. Pipko suggested that refusing to engage politically hinders opportunities for dialogue and progress. Fox News Digital reported that representatives for the Knicks and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.