Knicks Mull White House Visit Amid Shifting Traditions
Coach Mike Brown confirms the NBA champions are still discussing whether to visit the White House under President Trump.
The New York Knicks are still deliberating whether to accept an invitation to the White House, coach Mike Brown said Tuesday, which would make them the first NBA champions to visit under President Donald Trump.
Traditionally, the reigning NBA champions have visited the White House. However, no team made such a visit during Trump's first term or after his re-election in 2024.
Trump and Knicks owner James Dolan have a close relationship. They were seen together at Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Following the Knicks' championship win, Dolan indicated that an offer to visit the White House would be accepted.
When asked about a determination regarding a White House visit at the Knicks' first practice of the new season, Brown stated, “No, it’s still something that our guys, or the organization, is internally discussing and, you know, whatever we decide to do, we’ll all do together.”
The tradition of champions visiting the White House dates back to at least 1963 with the Boston Celtics. President Barack Obama, a basketball enthusiast, hosted a championship team each year of his presidency.
However, Trump has had public disagreements with some NBA players. In 2018, he stated he would not invite whichever team won the finals, following comments from Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and LeBron James, then with the Cleveland Cavaliers, that their respective teams were not interested in a visit.
Last season, the 2025 champion Oklahoma City Thunder did not visit the White House, citing scheduling conflicts.
Teams often aim to schedule their White House visit when they are in Washington, D.C., to play the Wizards. The Knicks are scheduled to play the Wizards on December 18 and March 16.