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.
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
-Singer Beyonce and Director Spike Lee attend Game three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2004 NBA Playoffs between the New Jersey Nets and the New York Knicks April 22, 2004 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.-
(Ray Amati, Getty Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
-Singer Beyonce and Director Spike Lee attend Game three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2004 NBA Playoffs between the New Jersey Nets and the New York Knicks April 22, 2004 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.-
(Ray Amati, Getty Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
-Director Spike Lee and actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt watch the game between the New York Knicks and the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 11, 2008 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. –
(Nick Laham, Getty Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Singer Justin Bieber talks with director Spike Lee courtside during the game between the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 2, 2011 in New York City.
(Nick Laham, Getty Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Director Spike Lee and actor David Duchovny attend the game between the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 9, 2012 in New York City.
(Bruce Bennett, Getty Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor John Turturro and Director Spike Lee pose for photos prior to the game between the New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 11, 2013 in New York City.
(Bruce Bennett, Getty Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor Philip Seymour Hoffman looks on during the second half at Madison Square Garden on Mar. 9, 2013.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Director Spike Lee talks to Comedian Louis CK during Game two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2013 in New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor Zach Galifianakis (middle) looks on at the against the Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks game during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 1, 2013.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Celebrity doctor Dr. Oz (left) talks to television and film actor Dylan McDermott during the game between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 20, 2013.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Irish actor Liam Neeson sits court side during the first quarter of a game between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 9, 2014.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor Timothy Hutton (black/white knit cap) looks on during the second half of the game between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 28, 2014.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor Alec Baldwin a and comedian Howie Mandel attends the game between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Madison Square Garden on April 2, 2014.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor Hank Azaria (left) and American actor Penny Marshall talk before the start of the third quarter between the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 13, 2014.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor Mahershala Ali acknowledges the fans during a time out during the third quarter between the New York Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 28, 2015.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actors Tom Hanks talks with Kevin Bacon after the fourth quarter of a game between the New York Knicks and the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden on Mar. 3, 2015.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor and comedian Jerry Seinfeld sits with his family next to New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey (right) during the first quarter between the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 31, 2016.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor Willem Dafoe on the court after a game between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on Mar. 26, 2016.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actors Cate Blanchett with Chris Rock after a game between the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 2, 2016.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Dustin Hoffman and Spike Lee talk duirng the game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 12, 2017 in New York City.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor and filmmaker Ron Howard (r) talks with actor and singer Hugh Jackman (l) during the game between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 21, 2018
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
New York Giants former wide receiver Victor Cruz (l) alongside actors Pete Davidson (c) and Chris Redd (r) at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 13, 2019.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor James Franco at the New York Knicks vs Los Angeles Lakers game at Madison Square Garden on Mar. 17, 2019.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Director Spike Lee and actor and comedian Jon Stewart talk before the game between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on March 21, 2021 in New York City.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Tracy Morgan (left) and John Stewart (third from left) look at a replay on the screen during the first half in game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on May 23, 2021.
(Pool Photo by Seth Wenig via Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor and comedian Kenan Thompson at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 27, 2022.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actress Drew Barrymore (left) stands with actor Ryan Eggold at their courtside seats during the fourth quarter between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 2, 2023.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
English actor Cary Elwes (left to right) and American actors Everett Osborne and Jeremy Piven pose for a photo sitting court side during the third quarter between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on Mar. 29, 2023.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Comedian Jon Stewart (l) and actor/filmmaker Spike Lee (r) during game four of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2023.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American comedians Dave Chappelle (left to right) and Chris Rock sit court side with actor Jessica Alba during the fourth quarter of game two of the 2023 NBA Eastern Conference semifinal playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on May 2, 2023.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
(L-R) Celebrities Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Spike Lee react toward Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the New York Knicks during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2024 in New York City.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor Bryan Cranston during game two of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 8, 2024.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor and comedian Chris Rock sits court side during the second quarter between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden Oct. 25, 2024.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor and director Alec Baldwin (left) sits court side with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (second from right) and former tennis star John McEnroe (right) during the second quarter between the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 3, 2024.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor and comedian Adam Sandler reacts while sitting court side during the second half of the NBA between the New York Knicks and the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 27, 2025.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor Matthew Broderick returns to his courtside seat during the third quarter between the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 29, 2025.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor and producer Rainn Wilson sits courtside during the fourth quarter between the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 29, 2025.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor Neil Patrick Harris sits courtside during the second quarter between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 1, 2025.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor and comedian Larry David at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 8, 2025.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor and director Clark Gregg (right) sits courtside during the first quarter between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 26, 2025.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor John Leguizamo sits courtside before a game between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on Mar. 17, 2025.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor Brendan Fraser sits courtside during the second quarter between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on Mar. 17, 2025.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actress Mariska Hargitay (left) talks to American actor Christopher Meloni during the fourth quarter between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on April 11, 2025.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor Paul Rudd sits courtside next to tennis legend John McEnroe during the second quarter of game two of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on April 21, 2025.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actors Ben Stiller (left to right) and Christine Taylor sit courtside next to Canadian-American actor and activist Michael J. Fox and his wife Tracy Pollan and French-American actor Timothee Chalamet during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on April 21, 2025.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor and comedian Eric Andre watches the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 11, 2025.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor Michael J. Fox at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 30, 2025.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actor Matthew Modine sits court side during the third quarter between the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden on Mar. 15, 2026.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor Ben Stiller reacts during the fourth quarter between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2026.
(Lucas Boland, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Left to right: Tina Fey and Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner and Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor sit court side during the first 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.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
(L-R) Tracy Morgan, Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, Michael J. Fox, Tracy Pollan and Timothee Chalamet sit court side during the second quarter of a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2026 in New York City.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
Actor Dustin Hoffman in attendance during the second quarter of game one of the eastern conference finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks during the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2026.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Celebrity sightings during Knicks games at Madison Square Garden
American actors Jason Bateman (left) and Jason Sudeikis sits court side during the second quarter of game two of the eastern conference finals between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2026.
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.
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
