President Donald Trump is set to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at New York City’s Madison Square Garden this evening, prompting heightened security measures around the iconic venue.
Officials have implemented strict security measures for Monday’s highly anticipated face-off between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, including a no-bag policy and “TSA-style” screenings. The city also will not allow a watch party outside the Midtown Manhattan venue, a move that left some fans fuming.
“The NYPD, in coordination with the Secret Service, made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday.
Other watch parties are still taking place across the city, including at Central Park and Bryant Park. Fans can also expect watch parties outside Madison Square Garden to return for Game 4.
Meanwhile, two major New York City firms split a $1 million bid for courtside seats, officials said Monday. The seats were auctioned off to benefit the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a charity that supports children in need.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will also attend tonight’s game, telling reporters he paid $1,000 for his ticket.
Key Points
- Trump and Mamdani expected to attend Knicks-Spurs game
- Fans beg Trump to stay away from NBA Finals Game 3 as ‘TSA-style’ security introduced
- Where can fans attend Knicks watch parties?
- NYPD announces Manhattan traffic closures
- Karl-Anthony Towns dodges question on Trump visit, turns focus to fans
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama spotted in Gramercy Park
21:38 , Katie Hawkinson
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was spotted in Gramercy Park ahead of tonight’s game, according to clips shared on social media.
Observers said he appeared to be drawing in the exclusive park, which can only be accessed by nearby residents and groups who hold keys.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s press office even joined in on the fun and shared a joke on X about the star player.
“@NYPDnews would like to report someone in Gramercy Park without a key,” her press office wrote.
Jeffries says it's 'not clear' that Trump is a Knicks fan
21:12 , Katie Hawkinson
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat representing large swaths of Brooklyn, said it’s “not clear” that President Donald Trump is a true New York Knicks fan.
“It’s not clear to me that Donald Trump is a big Knicks fan. I mean, does this guy even know the difference between Karl Rove and Karl-Anthony Towns? I don't think so. He's just injecting himself into the NBA Finals because he always has to bring the MAGA circus into town,” Jeffries told reporters.
“I think Knicks fans just want to enjoy Game 3,” he added.
Trump to watch Knicks-Spurs game from suite in MSG: report
20:57 , Katie Hawkinson
President Donald Trump will be watching tonight’s Knicks-Spurs game from a suite in Madison Square Garden, a White House official told ESPN reporter Shams Charania.
Tonight will mark the first time a sitting U.S. president has attended an NBA Finals game.
Trump's New York approval rating falls as he prepares for hometown visit
20:50 , Katie Hawkinson
President Donald Trump is visiting his hometown to watch the New York Knicks face off against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden tonight — but not everyone will be happy to see him return.
That’s because Trump’s approval rating is now “30 points underwater” in the Empire State, marking a “massive drop off” from last year, according to Harry Enten, CNN’s chief data analyst.
“The president of the United States, Donald John Trump, may be more hated in his home state of New York than the San Antonio Spurs,” Enten said Monday.
ANALYSIS: Trump may be a sports fan, but is he really a Knicks fan? History doesn’t place him in pantheon of Stiller, Lee and Chalamet
20:25 , Andrew Feinberg
If there’s one thing that can be said about Donald Trump, it’s that he’s a sports fan.
From his earliest days on the campaign trail in 2015, Trump and his aides spun yarns about how he’d been scouted as a potential professional baseball draft pick while a high school student at the now-defunct New York Military Academy.
During his heyday as a New York tabloid fixture, he made multiple unsuccessful attempts to purchase several National Football League franchises before settling for Herschel Walker-led NJ Generals team in the fleeting USFL, which he pushed to switch from spring games to compete directly with the NFL, leading to its ultimate demise.
He’s also been a longtime fan of combat sports, first boxing, then professional wrestling, then Ultimate Fighting. And as president, he’s often reveled in the chance to host professional and collegiate sports champions at the White House — and to attend various sporting events himself, be they NASCAR races, Stanley Cup finals, NCAA football championship games or the granddaddy of them all, the Super Bowl.
But if there’s another thing that can be said about Donald Trump, it’s that he’s not exactly a fan of the National Basketball Association.
Trump may be a sports fan — but is he really a Knicks fan?
Mamdani paid $1k for Game 3 ticket
20:20 , Katie Hawkinson
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani told reporters he paid $1,000 for his ticket to the upcoming Knicks-Spurs game.
“I'll be going to tonight's Game 3, and I'll be standing for the duration of the game,” Mamdani said.
President Donald Trump is also attending tonight’s game — it remains to be seen whether he and Mamdani will interact with each other at Madison Square Garden.
Mamdani says security measures 'honor' the right to protest
20:15 , Katie Hawkinson
When asked about the possibility of the president’s visit sparking demonstrations, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the security measures being taken still “honor” Americans’ right to protest.
“The right to protest is one that is innate, not only to the spirit of our city, but also the laws of our country. The procedures that are being taken today are ones that honor that right,” Mamdani told reporters Monday.
“We know what comes with a presidential visit, and Secret Service protocols necessitate a different set of preparation than we would otherwise be taking for the finals,” he added.
Recap: Stabbing attack inside NYC’s Penn Station night before Trump’s Madison Square Garden visit injures 6
19:50 , Katie Hawkinson
Six people were injured in a stabbing inside New York City’s bustling Penn Station on Sunday evening, officials said.
Security considerations in the area around Penn Station were already heightened in anticipation of President Donald Trump’s arrival for Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Read more below:
Stabbing inside Penn Station night before Trump Madison Square Garden visit hurts 6
Knicks-Spurs game will mark Trump's 17th sporting match of second term: report
19:19 , Katie Hawkinson
President Donald Trump is set to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight, marking the 17th sporting match he’s attended since taking office in January 2025, according to NBC News’ Chief White House Correspondent Garrett Haake.
Trump’s first game of his second term was the 2025 Super Bowl, making him the first sitting U.S. president in history to attend the annual championship.
In pictures: Officials prepare for Knicks-Spurs game at MSG
19:08 , Katie Hawkinson
White House shares old video of Trump attending NBA game
18:50 , Katie Hawkinson
The White House shared old footage of President Donald Trump attending an NBA match, just hours before he’s expected to attend the Knicks-Spurs game at Madison Square Garden this evening.
In the 14-second clip, the camera pans to Trump as an announcer yells out, “Our guest celebrity cameraman, Donald Trump! Welcome to the telecast.”
“We must be paying our cameraman a pretty penny,” the announcer joked.
Always locked in 🎥🏀 pic.twitter.com/IHSJgwSrKQ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 8, 2026
Spike Lee responds to Trump watching Knicks-Spurs game: 'My face says a lot!'
18:23 , Katie Hawkinson
Legendary filmmaker and actor Spike Lee reacted to President Donald Trump’s plans to watch Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.
“Is there enough love in the building for the president of the United States tonight?” a FOX 5 New York reporter asked.
Lee, a longtime Trump critic, rubbed his forehead and fell silent before responding: “My face says a lot!”
Karl-Anthony Towns dodges question on Trump visit, focuses on fans
17:55 , Katie Hawkinson
When asked about President Donald Trump’s plans to attend tonight’s NBA Finals game, Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns dodged the question and instead highlighted the fans who he said have “earned the right” to watch the game live.
“The fans have earned the right and deserve the right to see finals basketball be played here at Madison Square Garden,” Anthony-Towns said.
“For this to be the first game in a long time that they've seen finals basketball, it's up to us to bring it, give them something to cheer for, give them something to get loud for, and also give them something to believe in,” he added.
Several fans on social media were delighted by his answer.
“I love his answer. It’s about the fans!” one user commented on Instagram.
“Smart way to think about it. Stay locked in to the mission,” another wrote.
Watch: Trump says those who can’t afford NBA Finals tickets can watch on TV
17:50 , Katie Hawkinson
President Donald Trump, who is expected to attend tonight’s Knicks-Spurs game, told reporters Americans who can’t afford tickets to the NBA Finals can “watch it on television.”
Watch the moment below:
Ann Coulter lashes out at Trump for attending Knicks game
17:20 , Katie Hawkinson
Right-wing commentator Ann Coulter lashed out at President Donald Trump, calling his decision to attend tonight’s Knicks game “narcissistic.”
“Of all the selfish, narcissistic things Trump has done, attending MSG to see the Knicks play in person Monday night is the absolute worst,” she wrote on X.
Of all the selfish, narcissistic things Trump has done, attending MSG to see the Knicks play in person Monday night is the absolute worst. 20,000 attendees will be MASSIVELY inconvenienced for all the extra security, the Knicks Watch Party at Garden Is canceled, thousands of… pic.twitter.com/oQyVbvRQRn
— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) June 8, 2026
$1M auction for courtside seats will help benefit charity for children
16:52 , Katie Hawkinson
Two major New York City firms split a $1 million bid for two courtside seats at tonight’s Knicks-Spurs game in an auction that will benefit a children’s charity.
The winning bid — split by the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLC and the private equity firm Veritas Capital — is the “single largest donation in the history of the foundation,” according to MSG Sports.
The proceeds from the auction will go to the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a charity that helps children in need.
“This $1 million donation will be an invaluable resource to continue to help shape the futures of the young people we serve,” MSG Sports CEO James Dolan said in a statement.
NBA fans beg Trump to stay away from Knicks-Spurs Game 3 as ‘TSA-style’ security introduced: ‘We will lose if he comes’
16:20 , Carsen Holaday
Fans of the New York Knicks are begging Donald Trump to stay away from Game 3 of the NBA Finals after his plan to attend has prompted enhanced security measures and concerns of courtside tension.
Keep reading:
NBA fans go scorched earth on Trump attendance for Knicks-Spurs Game 3
Will Mamdani and Trump meet at tonight's game?
16:09 , Katie Hawkinson
President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are both attending tonight’s NBA Finals match, leaving many questioning whether the two will cross paths.
When asked last week whether he has any plans to meet with the president, Mamdani told reporters they’ll be in “very different” parts of Madison Square Garden.
“I can tell you that I'm planning to go to a Knicks game. I will be at Game 3. I will be in a very different section of the stadium,” Mamdani said Thursday.
“And I think we look forward to welcoming any New Yorker who is excited for the Knicks to have that chance to win that championship,” he added.
Trump praises Knicks and MSG Sports CEO
15:50 , Katie Hawkinson
President Donald Trump, a New York City native, praised the Knicks and MSG Sports CEO Jim Dolan while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office last week.
“I’ve been a Knicks fan for a long time. I’m also a Jim Dolan fan, he’s a nice guy,” Trump said.
“He’s spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy, and he’s got a team that’s amazing,” he added.
Watch his full remarks below:
NYPD details Manhattan traffic closures for Knicks-Spurs game
15:43 , Katie Hawkinson
The New York Police Department detailed the traffic closures taking effect this afternoon for the Knicks-Spurs game at Madison Square Garden.
Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be closed from West 30th Street to West 35th Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue starting at 4 p.m. local time.
“No one will be allowed inside the secure area unless you have a ticket to the game, a train ticket, are going to a business inside the area, have credentials, or have some other authorized reason to be there,” the department said.
How to get free tickets for Bryant Park Knicks watch party
15:36 , Katie Hawkinson
New York City is offering free tickets to a Knicks watch party in Bryant Park tonight.
Fans can find details about securing their seats on the city’s website starting at noon today. This comes after officials announced that they would not allow a watch party outside Madison Square Garden.
“The NYPD, in coordination with the Secret Service, made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday.
Other watch parties will be hosted throughout the city, including at Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl.
Watch: AOC slams Trump's plan to attend tonight's Knicks game
15:20 , Katie Hawkinson
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hit out at President Donald Trump over his expected attendance at Monday evening’s Knicks game.
Watch below:
Knicks star laments high ticket prices for Game 3
15:00 , Katie Hawkinson
Knicks star Josh Hart called out the sky-high ticket prices for tonight’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
"I kind of wish the ticket prices weren’t as crazy as they are,” he told reporters Sunday.
"I feel like a lot of people who have been waiting for this moment for a very long time unfortunately aren’t able to get into the building. The cheapest ticket $7,000, $8,000. That’s ridiculous,” he added.
Season ticket holders debate watching game or taking advantage of resell prices
14:53 , Katie Hawkinson
Knicks season ticket holders are deciding whether to watch tonight’s highly anticipated match or take advantage of skyrocketing resale prices, according to The Washington Post.
The average resale ticket price is upwards of $8,000.
“A lot of fans are thinking, ‘Hey, this could be something. [But] these once-in-a-lifetime prices are also once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” Alex Warner, CEO of resale platform Winventory, told the Post.
MSG unveils winners of Game 3 courtside seats
14:44 , Katie Hawkinson
Madison Square Garden unveiled the two winners of courtside seats for tonight’s match between the Knicks and the Spurs.
The law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLC and the private equity firm Veritas Capital won the seats in an auction-style giveaway, according to the New York Post.
The proceeds will benefit the venue’s Garden of Dreams Foundation, a charity that supports young people in need.
Old video of Spurs star shooting hoops in NYC reemerges
14:35 , Katie Hawkinson
A 2023 video of San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama shooting hoops in New York City reemerged this week, after a fan shared it in anticipation of tonight’s game, according to ABC 7.
The viral clip, shared by Austin Spruill, shows Wembanyama missing multiple baskets at Rucker Park in Manhattan.
“When Wemby comes to New York, he shoots bricks. I couldn’t believe he missed every shot,” Spruill said.
Knicks watch parties will continue elsewhere in city
14:27 , Katie Hawkinson
While New York City officials said they will not permit a Knicks watch party outside Madison Square Garden, fans can attend other events throughout the city.
This includes watch parties at Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bowl and Central Park.
Trump and Mamdani expected to attend NBA Finals game
14:23 , Katie Hawkinson
President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are expected to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
At a Monday morning press conference, officials outlined the heavy security measures for the highly anticipated face-off between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
“The NYPD, in coordination with the Secret Service, made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
Ticket holders should arrive two hours early and expect to go through a “TSA-style” security screening before entering the venue, officials said.
