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The New York Knicks have accepted an invitation to visit the White House following their NBA championship victory, according to team owner James Dolan.
Speaking with WFAN New York on Wednesday, Dolan confirmed that the organization plans to participate in the traditional championship visit.
“We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted,” Dolan said. “We still have to figure out the details, et cetera, but yes, of course.”
The Knicks captured their first NBA title since 1973 after defeating the San Antonio Spurs four games to one in the NBA Finals.
Dolan also highlighted his long relationship with President Donald Trump, who attended Game 3 of the series at Madison Square Garden after receiving an invitation from the Knicks owner.
“Look, I invited the president to come down for the game. He is a friend. I’ve known him for 30 years and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House,” Dolan said.
While details of the visit remain unresolved, including which players and staff members will attend, the appearance would make the Knicks the first NBA champions to visit the White House during Trump’s current administration.
Recent NBA champions have declined White House invitations under President Trump. The Oklahoma City Thunder cited scheduling conflicts after winning the championship last season. During his first term, the Golden State Warriors declined White House visits following their championship victories, while the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers also did not make championship visits.
President Trump also praised Knicks owner James Dolan and the team’s recent success ahead of attending game three in New York at Madison Square Garden.
“They’re great, and Jim Dolan’s a great guy — he’s, as you know, owns and in charge of Madison Square Garden. He’s having a good year,” he said.
The White House trip continues a longstanding tradition in American sports in which championship teams are invited to meet the president and be recognized for their accomplishments.
