The Athletic has live coverage of Knicks vs. Spurs in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
New York Knicks fans can, once again, gather outside Madison Square Garden to watch their team push for an NBA title.
The New York Street Activity Permit Office has lifted its ban on outdoor watch parties around the Knicks’ home arena, freeing the team to secure a permit for fans to gather at Plaza 33 ahead of Wednesday’s Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.
The news comes after the city denied a permit for future outdoor watch parties outside of MSG after six fans were arrested following the Knicks’ May 21 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. A police department spokesperson told the New York Post that an estimated 6,000 fans had crowded the streets, while some boisterous fans blocked traffic, threw glass bottles and scaled subway entrances.
“Games 1 and 2 have seen progressively more problematic issues at the watch parties outside MSG … so the NYPD will not support more watch parties outside the stadium,” the police department spokesperson told the New York Post on May 22.
Prior to Game 2 of the East finals, the Knicks had been broadcasting many of their playoff games on large outdoor screens outside the arena.
In a news conference on May 26, the day after the Knicks finished off the Cavaliers to advance to the NBA Finals, New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani promised there would be “watch parties across the city” that would make it “easier” and “safe” for fans to gather, though he did not specify if the ones outside Madison Square Garden would return. The Knicks hosted an indoor watch party at Radio City Music Hall during Game 4 against the Cavaliers, though fans celebrated in the streets following New York’s victory.
“The Mayor is thrilled that the Knicks will be hosting NBA Finals watch parties, including inside and outside Madison Square Garden and another in Central Park, for Game 1,” said Mamdani spokesperson Sam Raskin. “Our administration is proud to support these efforts and give New Yorkers opportunities to come together and celebrate this historic Knicks run. As a Knicks fan and a New Yorker, the Mayor feels the energy and excitement this team has brought to the city. This is a special moment for all five boroughs, and we’re thrilled these celebrations are moving forward. Let’s go Knicks.”
The Knicks are also hosting an in-arena watch party inside Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, which touts select alumni appearances and benefits the Garden of Dreams Foundation. An alternate free watch party is taking place at SummerStage in Central Park, which has a capacity of 5,000.
The status for watch parties outside Madison Square Garden for the rest of the NBA Finals remains unclear.
