Knicks coach says White House visit still under discussion

New York Knicks coach Mike Brown said on Tuesday that the team has not yet decided whether to become the first NBA champions to visit the White House under President Donald Trump.

Brown was asked about the possibility after the Knicks held their first practice of the new season. He replied that the decision is still being discussed internally by the players and the organisation, and that any outcome will be a collective one.

President Trump has traditionally invited reigning champions to the White House, but no NBA team has done so during his first term or after his re‑election in 2024. The Knicks’ owner James Dolan, who is close to Trump, indicated after the championship win that an invitation would be welcomed.

The last champion to make a White House visit was the Boston Celtics in 1963, and former President Barack Obama hosted the winning team each year he was in office. In contrast, Trump has previously declined to invite NBA champions, notably after comments from players such as Stephen Curry and LeBron James in 2018.

The 2025 champion Oklahoma City Thunder also did not travel to the White House, citing scheduling conflicts. The Knicks have upcoming games in Washington on 18 December and 16 March, which could provide an opportunity for a visit.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Burst / Pexels.