Donald Trump, a longtime Knicks fan and sitting US president, attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Trump was a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan and praised the team and Spurs star Victor Wembanyama in interviews before the game [2, 6, 7]. He said, "答案是肯定的，我一定會到場。我甚至不排除連看第三戰與第四戰，他們是一支偉大的球隊，我也為多蘭感到高興，他為了打造這支球隊付出了極大努力" [6].
The Knicks led the NBA Finals series 2-0 entering Game 3, with the first two games held in San Antonio starting June 3 [1, 3, 5, 8]. Mayor Zohran Mamdani also planned to attend but was seated separately from Trump [3, 5, 8, 9, 10]. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver welcomed Trump's attendance, calling it the first time a sitting president attended an NBA Finals game. Silver said, "Donald Trump, before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan... I'm thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knick team" [2, 6, 7].
Security tightened significantly at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 due to Trump's presence. A strict no-bag policy and airport-style screenings were enforced, and fans were advised to arrive at least two hours early [1, 3]. Watch parties near the arena were cancelled after Secret Service and NYPD security requirements were issued [1].
Ticket prices soared, with secondary market lowest prices over $4,000 for Game 3 and potential Game 6 tickets reaching above $5,300 in New York [11, 12]. Ticket prices began surging on June 1 [12]. The Finals feature Games 3 and 4 in New York, with Game 4 scheduled for June 10 and Game 6 set for June 16 if needed [5, 8, 9, 10]. Trump did not rule out attending Game 4 as well [2, 6, 7].
