Donald Trump addresses sky-high NBA Finals ticket prices: 'They can watch it on television'

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The NBA Finals has brought legions of Knicks supporters out of the woodwork, with celebrities, former players and regular civilians relishing New York’s run to basketball’s grandest stage.

Soon, a sitting president will be included in that mix. Donald Trump is set to be on site when the Knicks take on the Spurs in Madison Square Garden for Game 3.

When he does, he’ll be surrounded by other members of the U.S. society. Ticket prices are sky-high during this year’s postseason, particularly at MSG.

Trump won’t have to worry about that; his net worth is valued at $6.5 billion, per Forbes. Knicks fans who live in a lower tax bracket than him aren’t quite as lucky.

With that, here’s what you need to know about what Trump had to say about the heightened ticket prices at this year’s NBA Finals.

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Donald Trump addresses sky-high NBA Finals ticket prices

Trump had his say about the astronomical prices present at this NBA Finals. The cheapest tickets available for Games 3 and 4 in Madison Square Garden go for more than $9,000, with some tickets’ price tags exceeding $50,000.

Trump, who announced that he is planning on attend Game 3, offered few condolences for the masses of die-hard Knicks supporters priced out of the spectacle.

“They can watch it on television,” Trump told reporters. “It’s sort of semi-free to watch it on television. But that’s the way life goes.

“Now if the game wasn’t a big, if the team wasn’t a big success, you could go very easily.”

Some were left dismayed by the president’s comments, with some social media commentators claiming Trump’s remarks reek of callousness. Trump’s class position certainly differs from the vast majority of those who watch New York’s favorite basketball franchise — prior to his election to the White House, Trump was, among other things, a billionaire real estate mogul whose tenants filed a class action lawsuit accusing his family of conspiring to fraudulently elevate rents in rent-regulated apartments.

All of that is to say, perhaps it was a bit fanciful to expect him to have an egalitarian view on working-class fans’ ability to access Knicks tickets.

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How much are NBA Finals tickets in New York?

For those hoping to secure tickets to Finals games in New York, one might need a hedge fund — or several — first. The cheapest tickets for Games 3 and 4 are available for $9,332 on Stubhub. Those seats, located near the rafters, will have onlookers high-fiving with angels at the sight of a Jalen Brunson three.

It’s no wonder why New York fans have flocked to the streets to make their support for their beloved team known. Any other option might come with an indemnity.

Is Donald Trump going to an NBA Finals game?

Trump, indeed, is going to an NBA Finals game this year. He is planning on attending Game 3 of the Finals at Madison Square Garden, cheering on the team in the venue that hosted a campaign rally for him ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Trump indicated that he could be on site for Game 4, depending on his plans.

Trump says he’s going to an NBA Finals game at MSG next Monday, and he might be there for Game 4 too pic.twitter.com/xjgxH5s53s

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 4, 2026

Is Donald Trump a Knicks fan?

Trump is a longtime Knicks fan. He’s made his passion for the side — and its owner, James Dolan — eminently evident over the years, routinely attending contests prior to his entry into politics.

“I’ve been a Knick fan for a long time and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan,” Trump said during an Oval Office press conference on Thursday. “He’s been a long time wanting to win and he’s a competitive guy.” 

Here’s a look at him in the stands during the 1994 Finals.

Rare footage of Donald Trump at game 3 of the NBA finals in New York in 1994 pic.twitter.com/0JOohPXc3G

— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) June 5, 2026