New York Knicks owner James Dolan has accepted an invitation from the White House to visit the residence during a Trump administration, marking the first time an NBA champion will honor the presidency with such a ceremony.

“We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted,” Dolan stated in response to inquiries. “Still have to figure out the details, but, yes, of course, I invited the president to come down to the game, right? He is a friend. I’ve known him for 30 years, and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House.”

President Donald Trump previously made history by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA finals game during his presidency, when he watched the Knicks’ Game 3 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden—a match that ultimately became the final contest of the Knicks’ championship series victory.

While specifics regarding the visit—including date, party size, and player participation—remain pending, Dolan emphasized the White House’s immediate engagement with the arrangement. In contrast, Seattle’s Super Bowl LX victory has yet to secure a White House celebration, as the White House press office recently stated: “We don’t have anything to share at this time.”

Dolan’s connection to Trump extends back decades; he previously married at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort and defended the president in a 2023 interview with WFAN, calling him “a Knicks fan.” The White House has also highlighted Trump’s longstanding presence at Madison Square Garden during the team’s 1990s era of playoff success.

The NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, previously acknowledged Trump’s role as a genuine Knicks supporter, noting his history of attending games and praising the team’s current championship run.