By Jasper Ward
June 17 (Reuters) – Knicks owner James Dolan said on Wednesday the New York basketball team has accepted an invitation to the White House following last week’s championship win.
“We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted. We still have to figure out the details,” Dolan said during an interview on WFAN Sports Radio.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Dolan, who invited U.S. President Donald Trump to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals earlier this month, described the Republican as a friend of his.
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 on Saturday to claim their first NBA championship since 1973.
An invitation to visit the White House and meet with the president is routine following major sporting events.
While most teams have continued the tradition during Trump’s two administrations, others have declined the invitation.
Last year, several members of the Philadelphia Eagles, including the team’s quarterback, Jalen Hurts, skipped the White House ceremony following the NFL team’s Super Bowl victory.
While it is unclear whether the full Knicks roster will attend the White House ceremony, Jose Alvarado, a point guard on the team, expressed interest in doing so.
“If there’s a chance, I’m going wherever my teammate goes,” he told TMZ.
(Reporting by Jasper Ward in Washington; Editing by Jamie Freed)
