Knicks Fans Furious After Owner James Dolan Accepts Trump's White House Invitation

The New York Knicks won their first NBA Championship in 53 years, and the whole city is ready to celebrate. While New Yorkers will get the chance to revel in the victory during a ticker-tape parade on Thursday, June 18, it looks like the players could soon head to Washington, D.C.

That's right, the Knicks may visit the White House. This would make the team the first NBA championship winner to take President Donald Trump up on his offer of a meet-and-greet.

Knicks owner James Dolan recently told WFAN Sports Radio, "We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted. We still have to figure out the details, etc."

He continued, "But you know, yes, of course, I mean, you know, look, I invited the President to come down to the game, right. He is a friend. I've known him for 30 years, and I'm very proud to bring the team to the White House."

What do Knicks fans think about the NBA Championship winners visiting Donald Trump?

Well, let's just say that the reactions to this news weren't great. Knicks fans took to social media, blasting Dolan for his decision. One Redditor showed their support to the team, panning the owner with a simple, "Love to the players. Hate to Dolan."

Other Knicks fans also expressed their feelings, with one writing, "I'm not gonna lie, I will be deeply disappointed in any player who shows up. I'm not sure Dolan even asked the players what their thoughts were before accepting the invitation. I honestly don't think these guys want to participate in this."

Things took another turn when someone added, "Dolan's gonna give him the real trophy, isn't he?" Other Redditors responded to this unimaginable thought: "I'll never forgive him if he does. Would call for him to sell the team no matter how well we're doing," and, "Next curse would be for a hundred years if he does."

Some Knicks fans brought up an easy out for the players, sharing, "Dolan answering this without speaking to the team is hilarious. I doubt they'll go and there will be a ‘scheduling conflict' to avoid embarrassment for Dolan and Trump."

And then there were the comments on WFAN Sports Radio's X post of the Dolan interview. Comments such as "Let's see which players will sully their reputation by going along" and "I suspect the Knicks players will decline the invite" were on the tame side.

James Dolan confirms the Knicks have been invited to the White House and have accepted:@craigcartonlive@CMacWFANpic.twitter.com/kemKQZJhf9

— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) June 17, 2026

Others raged, "Dolan what a chump. He is the sole reason that the @nyknicks went soooo long without a chip. He ruined the organization with his micromanaging & meddling. Worst team owner in the history of sports," and, "I wonder what James Dolan is holding over the Knicks ' teammates' heads to make them attend the invitation to the White House. The irony doesn't escape me, as the only game the Knicks lost during the Championship playoffs was the one where Trump showed up to watch the game."

As of now, there's no official word on which (if any) Knicks players will visit the White House.

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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 8:57 AM.