Besides the stars on the court, a number of big names will flock to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday, June 8.
President Donald Trump is expected to attend the game between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, the first at the iconic Manhattan arena in nearly three decades.
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Days after repealing bedtimes for the youngest Knicks fans, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is also set to be in the stands.
In addition to the politicians, several famous faces could be in attendance as well.
Here’s a look at all the VIPs that could show out.
Knicks celebrity fans: Origin stories from Spike Lee to Timothée Chalamet
Trump to be at MSG for NBA Finals
The president told reporters at the Oval Office on June 4 that he’s a “big fan” of the Knicks, confirming that owner James Dolan invited him to the game.
“The answer is yes – he’s invited me, I’m going,” Trump said.
President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media on board Air Force One while flying from Joint Base Andrews to Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, U.S., June 5, 2026.
The NBA said Trump will be the first-ever president to go to an NBA Finals game. Trump, who has been a frequent critic of the league, did occasionally attend Knicks games before his foray into politics.
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In light of Trump’s attendance, Madison Square Garden announced fans will face increased security measures, including screening procedures similar to that of the Transportation Security Administration.
A watch party that had been planned outside the arena has also been canceled because of Trump’s visit, authorities said.
Mamdani says he paid for his own ticket for Game 3
Mamdani, an avid Knicks fan, also confirmed he will be in the stands for Game 3.
In an interview with radio station 1010 Wins on June 5, the mayor said he’s paying for his own ticket to the event.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani visits employees at Citi Field prior to the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Mets on April 09, 2026 in New York City.
“I’ll be there with a few friends. And I know that the president will also be coming. I can tell you that I won’t be courtside or in a suite, but I can’t wait to see the game,” he said.
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Mamdani has not said whether he will meet with the president during his trip to New York.
“If I do see him, I will let him know what I’ve said time and again, which is we’re excited to welcome anyone and everyone who’s rooting for the Knicks,” he told the outlet.
Which celebrities are going to the Knicks game tonight?
While fans will have to wait for tip off to see all the stars in attendance, celebrity row is expected to be in full force at Madison Square Garden’s first NBA Finals game in 27 years.
If the first two games of the series are any indication, at least one Emmy Award-winning actor and an Oscar-winning director may be cheering on the Knicks Monday.
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Actor Ben Stiller and director Spike Lee both went to Games 1 and 2, as did Manhattan native Timothée Chalamet and “Saturday Night Live” legend Tracy Morgan.
Timothee Chalamet (left) and Ben Stiller reacts during the second quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026.
Rapper Fat Joe and comedian Shane Gillis also showed out in San Antonio for the start of the series, so they could be back in New York for Game 3.
There are also a number of other famous Knicks fans who have appeared at games this season: Tina Fey, Kylie Jenner, Mariska Hargitay, Michael J. Fox, Jimmy Fallon and Edie Falco, to name just a few.
Knicks, Spurs legends show out for NBA Finals
Several former players for both the Knicks and Spurs also attended the first two games of the NBA Finals, so expect more appearances throughout the rest of the series.
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Knicks legends Patrick Ewing, Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Allan Houston appeared in San Antonio.
Former New York Knicks Patrick Ewing reacts before game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center.
On the Spurs’ side, former stars Manu Ginóbili, David Robinson and Tim Duncan were also in the stands.
Are the Spurs nuns going to NBA Finals Game 3?
The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, or, as they have become lovingly known around the Frost Bank Center, the Spurs nuns, have become a signature part of San Antonio’s fanbase.
But the sisters will be cheering on Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the team from afar as they look to secure their first win of the series on June 8.
The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, aka the Spurs Nuns are interviewed by ESPN.
“There have been some rumors that we’re going to New York City for the next two games. We’re not going,” the nuns said in a social media post.
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Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump, Mamdani, and the VIPs expected at MSG for Knicks-Spurs Game 3
