New York Knicks owner James Dolan is set to host a fundraiser for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman at Madison Square Garden, the New York Post reported.
The fundraiser will take place ahead of the Knicks' preseason game against the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 15, according to the Post.
An invitation published by the Post shows that tickets to attend the event start at $10,000.
Dolan is one of the biggest Republican donors in New York for the 2026 midterm cycle, according to Politico. Dolan, his company and family members donated $1.4 million to committees for Blakeman as well as millions into super PACs supporting the Republican candidate, Politico reported.
Blakeman is a longshot in the race for the governorship in the deep-blue state. A poll by Emerson College released on Oct. 8 has incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hocul leading the Nassau County executive by 12 points.
“James Dolan knows how to build businesses, create jobs, and win championships. I’m proud to have his support and his advice — and together, we’re ready to take on Kathy Hochul and deliver another win for all New Yorkers,” Blakeman said in a statement to the Post.
Blakeman was a guest in Dolan's suite when President Donald Trump attended Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, the only game in the series the Knicks lost in route to the NBA championship – the team's first title in 53 years.
Madison Square Garden hosted a large rally for then candidate Trump in the closing stretch of the 2024 presidential campaign.
USA TODAY has reached out to Madison Square Garden for comment.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Madison Square Garden to host GOP fundraiser ahead of Knicks game