Donald Trump, the 45th US president, made a surprise appearance at the NBA Finals in New York City on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, becoming the first sitting president to attend the event.
He was seated in a box suite surrounded by protective glass and security, chatting with Knicks owner James Dolan and several members of his cabinet before tip-off. Trump, a long-time Knicks supporter, was shown on the jumbotron while The Star-Spangled Banner was sung, but instead of applause, he was met with a loud chorus of boos from the crowd.
'We should look for those things we have in common and build off that.'
Adam Silver, NBA commissioner
The NBA commissioner welcomed Trump's attendance, saying it was a moment to celebrate the commonality that sports brings to people. Silver added that the upgraded security measures necessary to protect the president were inconvenient for fans, who had to arrive early and undergo additional security screenings.
As a result of Trump's attendance, major upgrades to security measures were enforced around Madison Square Garden, with the New York Police Department and the US Secret Service creating a large perimeter surrounding the arena. Fan-watch parties were cancelled due to the extra security, and other events were shifted to locations further away.
Games at the arena have average ticket prices of around $10,887, with the highest price reaching up to $92,100. Trump's helicopter flew from New Jersey to Wall Street, before his motorcade made its way up through Manhattan and to the arena about an hour before tip-off.
Celebrities such as Knicks great Patrick Ewing, former stars John Starks, Larry Johnson, Latrell Sprewell, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Yankees legend Derek Jeter, director Spike Lee, and actors Timothée Chalamet, Tina Frey, and Ben Stiller were among those cheering the Knicks on from the stands.
A large number of security personnel were deployed around the arena, with the New York Police Department and the US Secret Service working together to create a secure perimeter. Anyone attending the game, including the players, had to pass through security screenings when they entered the stadium.
Trump's appearance at the NBA Finals has sparked debate, with some arguing it was an effort to create a sense of community, while others see it as a publicity stunt. Some people think he wanted to show support for the Knicks, given his long history of going to games in the 1990s.
As a long-time Knicks supporter, Trump has been spotted courtside at several games, and his fondness for the team has been well-documented. His attendance at the NBA Finals on Tuesday marked a historic first for a sitting US president.