Trump plans to attend Knicks game, says team 'suffered for years'

• Trump said he plans to attend a NBA Finals game to watch the New York Knicks.
• The Knicks have not made it to the NBA Finals since 1999.
• Trump has attended numerous sporting events as president.

President Donald Trump said he has been invited to a 2026 NBA Finals game to see the New York Knicks play.

Trump was answering questions at a May 27 Cabinet meeting at the White House, after briefly planning to host it at Camp David. The president and others gave updates on the war in Iran, the economy and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovations.

Asked if he was planning to attend a Knicks playoff game, Trump said, "I think I'll be going to one of the games," and "I was invited by numerous people and (Jim Dolan) and I think I'll be going."

The president has made appearances at numerous sports events since returning to office. As the Cabinet gathered at the White House, an octagon arena was under construction on the South Lawn for the UFC fight on Trump's birthday.

Trump says Knicks have 'suffered for years'

This year marks the first time the Knicks have made it to the NBA Finals since 1999.

Trump is a New York native, and acknowledged his home team's losing streak at the Cabinet meeting.

"Boy, what a team... they have some great players," he said. "The Knicks have really, they've really suffered for years."

The room laughed in response.

Trump is a frequent sporting event attendee

Trump would be the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. He was already the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl in New Orleans in 2025.

Here are some other sporting events he has attended as president:

• Daytona 500 - Trump attended the signature NASCAR event at Daytona Beach in Florida on Feb. 16, 2025. It was his second appearance at the event as president.
• Saudi-backed LIV Golf tournament - Trump landed the Marine One helicopter on the course at Trump National Doral Golf Club on April 3, 2025. His golf club hosted the event.
• UFC Fight - Trump attended the UFC MMA match in Miami, Florida, on April 12, 2025.
• FIFA Club World Cup - Trump went viral for celebrating on stage with the winners of the FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025.
• U.S. Open - Trump attended the U.S. Open men's singles final on Sept. 7, 2025 with a few people from his administration, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and granddaughter Arabella Kushner.
• New York Yankees' game -Trump went to the baseball game in New York on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. He met with the players before the game and shook hands with Aaron Judge.
• Ryder Cup - Trump attended the Ryder Cup in New York on Sept. 26, 2025, a U.S. versus Europe golf tournament that occurs every other year.

The Knicks are slated to host Game 3 on June 8 and Game 4 on June 10 at Madison Square Garden.

Contributing: Mark Giannotto, Joey Garrison, USA TODAY

Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her onX (Twitter),Threads,Bluesky andTikTok.