New York celebrates its first NBA title in 53 years
The New York Knicks raised their 2025–26 NBA championship banner and received their rings at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, October 20, before their season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. The ceremony took place on Wednesday morning, October 21, in the Philippines.
The celebration marked New York’s first NBA championship since 1973. Players and members of the coaching staff collected their rings from Walt Frazier, whose own Knicks career connected the occasion to the franchise’s previous championship teams in 1970 and 1973.
Jalen Brunson addressed the crowd before the banner went up, thanking supporters for their part in the title run and turning attention toward the new season. The Larry O’Brien Trophy stood at center court during the presentation, while Brunson, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns were among the players introduced to the home crowd.
The rings included a detailed tribute to the team’s arena. Their removable tops revealed a miniature representation of the Garden’s seating and basketball court, according to the design shown by the Knicks and reported by Yahoo Sports.
New York earned the championship by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games in June. The Knicks also recognized their NBA Cup victory with a separate banner, adding another record of a season in which they won both competitions.
Philadelphia’s visit brought a separate milestone. LeBron James began his 24th NBA season with the 76ers, placing the start of his new campaign on the same floor as New York’s championship celebration.