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President Donald Trump could be among the high-profile spectators at Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City next week.
According to a report by the New York Post, Trump is planning to attend the June 8 matchup between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. The game marks the Knicks' first NBA Finals appearance on home court in 27 years, making it one of the most anticipated sporting events in the city in decades.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is also expected to attend the game. However, reports indicate that he and the president are not expected to share seating arrangements. Sources cited by the Post said Madison Square Garden officials recently conducted security reviews in preparation for the presence of several prominent guests.
Rather than sitting courtside, Trump is expected to watch the game from a private suite. Courtside seats at Knicks games are often occupied by celebrity supporters, including actor Timothée Chalamet, reality television star Kylie Jenner, actor Ben Stiller, filmmaker Spike Lee and comedian Tracy Morgan.
Neither the White House nor Madison Square Garden immediately commented on the report.
Trump has a long history with Madison Square Garden dating back to his years as a New York businessman and social figure. He regularly attended sporting events and was often photographed at games with family members and public figures. During the 1990s, he frequently appeared at Knicks games alongside his then-wife Marla Maples and occasionally brought his sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr.
One notable appearance came in March 1999 when Trump attended a Knicks game against the Indiana Pacers and was seen with John F. Kennedy Jr., just months before Kennedy's fatal plane crash.
Although Trump has recently voiced support for the Knicks, some fans have questioned the depth of his allegiance during the team's playoff run. Last month, he said he had hoped to attend the Eastern Conference Finals but was unable to because New York quickly swept the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Trump praised the team's performances and said the franchise was finally enjoying success after years of disappointment. He also revealed that he had received multiple invitations to attend the NBA Finals, including one from Madison Square Garden executive chairman and chief executive officer Jim Dolan.
For many fans, however, attending the Finals remains a costly dream. Ticket marketplace TickPick reports that the cheapest available seat for Game 3 is priced at $4,191, making it the most expensive NBA Finals game on record.
