Sports · October 20, 2026
Knicks start their championship celebration by hanging an NBA Cup banner they previously refused
The New York Knicks celebrated their first NBA championship in 53 years by raising a 2025-26 World Champions banner at Madison Square Garden. Ahead of the ceremony, the team also raised a banner for their 2025 NBA Cup victory, a move that surprised some observers after earlier reports suggested ownership was reluctant to recognize the mid-season tournament. The evening was also marked by a social media post showing a giveaway T-shirt that drew attention for an alleged design error.
Read the original coverage
- Yahoo SportsSports network
NBA champion Knicks celebrate 2 titles on a banner night in Madison Square Garden
Read at Yahoo Sports ↗ - ESPNSports network
Knicks hang banner for NBA Cup title after all
Read at ESPN ↗ - New York PostTabloid
Knicks quietly raise NBA Cup banner to rafters in Garden surprise
Read at New York Post ↗ - Fox NewsMainstream
New York Knicks trip on opening night with T-shirt flub as they hang first banner in 53 years
Read at Fox News ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- The Knicks raised their 2025-26 World Champions banner at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
- The Knicks raised a '2025 NBA Cup champions' banner in addition to the primary championship banner.
- The championship ceremony took place before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
- The NBA Cup banner was hung prior to the primary ring night celebration.
Reported by only some outlets
- James Dolan previously expressed reluctance or 'balked' at recognizing the NBA Cup tournament.
- The Knicks distributed giveaway T-shirts that were criticized on social media for a design error.
- Jalen Brunson wore gold-colored shoes during the second half of the game.
- The NBA Cup banner was hung 'stealthily' hours before the main ceremony.
Confirmed
- The Knicks raised a 2025-26 World Champions banner at Madison Square Garden.
- A 2025 NBA Cup champions banner was also displayed in the rafters.
- The event occurred on October 20, 2026, during the season opener against Philadelphia.
Reported
- The Knicks had a 'T-shirt flub' in their opening night giveaway. (Fox News)
- The NBA Cup banner was hung 'stealthily' hours before the main ceremony. (New York Post)
Rumor
- James Dolan previously refused to recognize the NBA Cup with a banner. (New York Post)
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