Adam Silver Says Donald Trump Is Welcome at NBA Finals Game 3, Backs His Knicks Fan Credentials
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said President Donald Trump would be “welcome” to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, calling Trump a longtime Knicks supporter and a familiar presence around the league. Trump said he plans to attend Game 3, and possibly Game 4, in New York next week. If he goes, he would become the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. The last sitting president to attend any NBA game was Barack Obama in 2015.
Silver said Trump has long had ties to the Knicks and the NBA, recalling that he attended games and league drafts at Madison Square Garden and even appeared in an NBA “I love this Game” commercial years ago. In the ad, filmed at MSG, Trump delivered his now-famous “you’re fired” line in a basketball-themed spot. Silver said sports can bring people together and create a sense of belonging, adding that Trump is “very much a New Yorker” and that his presence would reflect the excitement around the Knicks’ run.
Trump said he was invited by Knicks owner James Dolan and described himself as a longtime fan of both Dolan and the team. He praised the Knicks for their strong postseason performance, noting that they have not lost a playoff game this year and have won 12 straight playoff games overall. He also commented on the Spurs and star Victor Wembanyama, saying the 7-foot-5 center is difficult to guard because of his size and shooting ability.
Trump has attended major sporting events before, including the 2025 Super Bowl, the 2025 U.S. Open tennis tournament, and the 2026 College Football Playoff championship game. His possible appearance at Madison Square Garden could draw a mixed reaction from the crowd, as he has never won New York in any of his presidential campaigns and the state remains heavily Democratic.
Silver said the main impact of Trump’s attendance would be increased security and the need for fans to arrive early. He said that while the added precautions may be an inconvenience, New Yorkers are used to big events and understand the extra measures. In his view, the president’s presence would only add to the scale and significance of the NBA Finals.
