flag
back Atrás
New York Knicks trip on opening night with T-shirt flub as they hang first banner in 53 years

Shirts draped across Madison Square Garden seats read '2026-27 Champions Night' instead of honoring the 2025-26 title

The Knicks waited 53 years to hang a championship banner at Madison Square Garden. Naturally, they still found a way to trip on Opening Night.

New York is getting roasted for an awkward giveaway T-shirt gaffe, made funnier by the team proudly posting the evidence on social media.

Ahead of the ring ceremony on Tuesday, the Knicks previewed the shirts draped across every seat in the arena.

Instead of honoring the actual 2025-26 title fans bled for, the shirts read "2026-27 Champions Night."

Karl-Anthony Towns celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after winning the NBA Finals.
Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after the team's victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. (Getty Images)
New York Knicks Champions Night t-shirts displayed before a game at Madison Square Garden.
A detailed view of New York Knicks Champions Night t-shirts before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 20, 2026, in New York City. (Getty Images)

Instead of quietly eating the reprint bill, the Knicks posted the evidence and let the internet have its way with them. Then again, misprints make fortunes in coin collecting. Maybe MSG didn't blow the giveaway so much as hand 20,000 fans a collector's item.

New York Knicks celebrate with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy
The New York Knicks celebrate with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series in San Antonio, Texas, on June 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Jalen Brunson lifts the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award trophy.
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks lifts the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. (Getty Images)

For good measure, they also hung their NBA Cup banner to crowd the rafters.

When that 2025-26 banner finally joins 1970 and 1973 to mark the franchise's third championship, it officially closes a miserable half-century drought, cementing this team into New York sports immortality.

Keeping that crown will be a nightmare. The East got a lot meaner over the summer, headlined by LeBron James taking his talents to Philadelphia. LeBron hunting one last ring with the Sixers feels cooked up specifically to ruin New York's party.

For now, the Knicks are on top of the basketball world.

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

You may like

Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the Cleveland Cavaliers This Season

si.com hace 1 hora

A Closer Look at Kings' Preseason Shooting Trends and Concerns

si.com hace 2 horas

What's Next for Julian Strawther After Nuggets Pass on Contract Extension

si.com hace 1 hora

Kon Knueppel, Coby White sidelined for Hornets' season opener

nba.com hace 17 minutos

Lakers Rule Out 2 Players Ahead of Highly Anticipated Season Opener

si.com hace 56 minutos

Malik Monk (ankle) questionable vs. Clippers

nbcsports.com hace 1 hora

Corbin Carroll's 2026 Down Season Was Still Better Than You Think

si.com hace 1 hora

Charlotte Hornets jersey history No. 7 Michael Hawkins 1999-2000

aol.com hace 1 hora