Knicks accepted – James Dolan says the New York Knicks have accepted an invitation to visit the White House under Donald Trump, with details still being finalized. The move arrives amid social-media debate over whether players truly had a say—after the Knicks’ championship and
The day after the Knicks’ championship parade drew an estimated crowd of more than 1 million people through New York City, the team’s spotlight shifted—quietly at first—to the nation’s capital.
James Dolan. the owner of the New York Knicks. said on Wednesday. June 17. that he accepted an invitation from President Donald Trump for the team to visit the White House. Dolan made the remarks while appearing on WFAN New York. explaining that the invitation had come in and that the Knicks had accepted.
“We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted. We still have to figure out the details, et cetera, but yes, of course. 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.
The Knicks are set to become the first NBA champions to visit the White House under Donald Trump’s presidency, according to the report. That claim comes with a notable contrast: the previous five NBA championship teams during Trump’s presidency reportedly declined invitations to the White House.
Fox News adds that the date of the Knicks’ trip remains to be finalized and that how many players will attend is still unclear.
On social media, fans quickly zeroed in on one point: who actually agreed. In TSR’s comment section, Instagram users questioned whether the players wanted to go—or even knew what was being planned. Instagram user @xoxoxoxobs wrote, “I thought the players declined? 🤨”
Instagram user @astarrwasborn_ added, “Lol the team declined. The owner accepted. Then forced the players to comply by threatening reprimand for not complying. The strategic captions is problematic”
Other commenters echoed the skepticism. Instagram user @nickgtv_ wrote. “The owner accepted idk if the players are aware 😂” while Instagram user @shawnalyng3 said. “I don’t expect everyone on that team to be on the same political stance but as a player you decide for yourself. I’m not available 😂 and if you say it’s mandatory. I’ll take the fine. Period!. 👏 #youbetter”.
Not everyone framed the situation as a fight, though. Instagram user @deeohhhmaris suggested there could be scheduling realities, writing, “The owner accepted the invite. Not the team. They might have something already scheduled for that day 🙃😉”
Even with the chatter. the Knicks’ invite lands on the heels of a victory moment that already brought real celebration to the streets. Per abc7NY, the Knicks’ parade began in New York City on Thursday, June 18. At the time. it was estimated that more than 1 million people attended. and the day ended with a “Key to the City” ceremony on City Hall Plaza.
And the celebration wasn’t limited to the arena. French Montana also drew headlines for a separate, human act connected to the championship win. CBS News reported that French Montana exclusively shared that he presented Noureddine Bitat with a $75. 000 check after New Yorkers swarmed his taxi and smashed his windshield following the Knicks’ championship.
French said he saw Bitat “trying to feed his family. ” and that he raised the money with YouTuber Zachery Dereniowski and the New York Taxi Workers Alliance. French added that Bitat reportedly told him he no longer wants to drive a taxi. and that the funds would go toward helping him with living expenses “until he figures out what he wants to do.”.
“I asked him, ‘Does he even watch the Knicks?’ He said, ‘I don’t even know what the Knicks is.’ He just happened to be working around the place, and you know, things unfortunately happened to him. He doesn’t deserve it. So we all came together to help,” French stated.
The White House trip is now the next question on the Knicks’ post-championship calendar. Dolan says the invitation has been accepted. but the exact date and how many players will attend still need to be set—leaving fans to argue. for now. about what “acceptance” means when it comes to the people on the roster.
A Knicks championship may have brought the city together for a parade and a ceremony—but this invitation is already pulling the conversation back into another arena: politics, power, and who gets to decide where the team goes next.
New York Knicks James Dolan Donald Trump White House visit NBA champions WFAN Knicks parade City Hall Plaza French Montana Noureddine Bitat
So they’re really going to the White House? Wild.
Wait, didn’t players already say stuff about not agreeing to go places? Like I don’t even know how this works, the owner just “accepted” it. That crowd after the parade and then this is the next headline… seems kinda random.
I’m confused because I thought the NFL/NBA players union handles this or whatever. If Dolan invited Trump for a game and now it’s a White House visit, that sounds like PR spin. Also didn’t the other teams decline, so why are they the exception? Sounds like they’re trying to rewrite the narrative.
Players didn’t even have a say, that’s what everyone will say… but then again “we invited the president”?? Idk. Like how can you be “proud” for the whole team if you haven’t figured out details or how many guys are going yet. Also I saw a screenshot floating around that said everyone voted no, so unless that’s fake then this whole thing is messy.