The tension between New York Knicks owner James Dolan and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani escalated ahead of a crucial game. Plans for a watch party outside Madison Square Garden were abruptly canceled due to complications involving President Donald Trump’s visit.
Dolan responded by canceling plans for a Game 4 watch party which was meant for 1,000 ticketed fans. He expressed disappointment over the limitations, stating, “We’re about millions of people.” In an interview with WFAN, Dolan remarked, “This is about celebrating the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of basketball. This is what the mayor’s office and the commissioner’s office are trying to kill.”
Mayor Mamdani countered Dolan’s claims on X, pointing out that MSG requested a permit for 500-999 fans, and Dolan independently chose to cancel the event. He suggested that the Knicks had the opportunity to accommodate more fans but opted not to pursue it.
The situation grew more heated when, an hour before Game 4, MSG issued a statement explaining their decision not to use the granted permit. They argued that allowing only 1,000 ticketed fans while excluding tens of thousands was unfair.
Previous watch parties in the city, like the one held in Bryant Park for Game 3, experienced disorderly conduct. This added to concerns about public safety and event management.
With street closures already impacting NBA Finals game days, Dolan jokingly compared the security measures to trying to enter “Area 51.”
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