Talk of former President Donald TrumpPlayer·Donald Trump attending Game 3 of the 2026 NBA FinalsCompetition·NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden next week has generated significant discussion, even as no official announcement has been made from the White House. NBA Commissioner Adam SilverPlayer·Adam Silver addressed the broader context on Wednesday, highlighting the unique ability of sports to bring people together.
The New York Post, citing anonymous sources, reported that Madison Square Garden officials have already conducted security walkthroughs in anticipation of a visit from Trump. Game 3 of the championship series, featuring the New York KnicksTeam·New York Knicks against the San Antonio SpursTeam·San Antonio Spurs, is scheduled for Monday, June 8, in Trump's hometown.
Trump himself confirmed last week that New York KnicksTeam·New York Knicks owner James DolanPlayer·James Dolan extended an invitation for him to attend the NBA FinalsCompetition·NBA Finals. He had previously intended to attend Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Knicks' four-game sweep of the Cleveland CavaliersTeam·Cleveland Cavaliers made that unnecessary. Trump expressed enthusiasm for the Knicks' return to the Finals, their first since 1999, calling it "great to see."
While not directly naming Trump, Commissioner Silver responded to a question regarding "unique people" attending Finals games in New York and the league's preparations. He underscored the enduring appeal of athletic competition.
"I think what’s really so special about sports in our society — and it’s a little bit of a cliché, but our increasingly divided society, and that goes to people who will be attending the first home game at Madison Square Garden — it truly brings people together," Silver said. "It creates a sense of connectivity among people. It creates a sense of belonging, and I feel that every day."
The Knicks, who finished the regular season with a 53-29 record and as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference, are facing the Western Conference's 2nd seed San Antonio SpursTeam·San Antonio Spurs, who posted a 62-20 record. The series opened on Wednesday in San Antonio, with Game 2 also taking place there on Friday before shifting to New York for Game 3.
A Kalshi-sponsored robot at a New York Knicks Watch Party in NYC during the NBA Finals. Photo by ZUMA Press/IMAGO.
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