Knicks owner cancels Finals watch party amid security row with New York mayor
The New York Knicks owner withdrew a permitted gathering for 999 fans at Madison Square Garden, sparking a public dispute with city officials over safety protocols ahead of Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs.
New York Knicks owner James Dolan has cancelled a planned NBA Finals watch party at Madison Square Garden, attributing the decision to what he described as excessive security measures imposed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The cancellation, which affects a permitted gathering of up to 999 attendees, has intensified a public dispute between the franchise leadership and the city administration regarding public order and fan celebration.
Dolan, speaking on WFAN radio, accused the mayor and commissioner of stifling the city’s enthusiasm and labelled them "party poopers." He argued that the restrictions were not solely a response to the presence of President Donald Trump at Game 3, but rather an attempt by the administration to control how Knicks fans celebrate. Dolan suggested that the leadership lacked faith in their own police force and compared their approach to "peanut butter and jelly sandwiches," implying a lack of substantive governance.
Mayor Mamdani rejected these criticisms, stating on X that the city had fully approved the venue’s request for a permit for up to 999 fans. He emphasised that the security protocols were necessary to prevent violence and ensure the safety of the public during this historic event. Mamdani noted that the measures were proportional to the size of the event and stressed that the city would not allow the joyous occasion to be disrupted by disorder.
The heightened security posture follows a violent incident at a nearby Bryant Park watch party on Monday, which resulted in 21 arrests and viral footage of a Spurs fan being assaulted. Commissioner Tisch warned the public to expect "New Year's Eve-levels of security," similar to the measures implemented when President Trump attended Game 3. The New York City Police Department advised attendees to arrive early and leave bags at home, with all individuals subject to screening.
The dispute occurs as the Knicks trail the San Antonio Spurs 2-1 in the best-of-seven series after losing Game 3 with a score of 111-115. The Knicks, making their first Finals appearance since 1999, have seen their celebrations marred by the recent violence, with celebrities such as Victor Wembanyama and Ben Stiller condemning the aggression. The city remains divided between those seeking to celebrate the team’s success and officials prioritising strict crowd control in the wake of the Bryant Park unrest.
