James Dolan is turning the New York Knicks’ preseason game against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden into a political event.
The Knicks are gearing up to defend their 2026 NBA championship this season, as their preseason preparations continue this week with a game against the Toronto Raptors.
Even in preseason, facing a strong Eastern Conference side like the Raptors is no small task. Unfortunately for the players, they will have to tune out the noise surrounding the political event Dolan is hosting at The Garden at the same time.
James Dolan hosting fundraiser for Bruce Blakeman during Knicks vs. Raptors at MSG
According to the New York Post, New York Knicks owner James Dolan is hosting a fundraiser for Republican New York Governor candidate Bruce Blakeman on Thursday, October 15th.
With a $10,000-per-head entry price, Dolan is inviting several of New York’s wealthiest to show their support for Blakeman while watching the Knicks take on the Toronto Raptors.
There are three contribution-level prices for hopeful attendees:
- $10,000 – Attendance
- $25,000 – Friend
- $50,000 – Patriot
Blakeman is set to contest the election for New York’s governor position against current incumbent Kathy Hochul this November.
The gubernatorial race between the two will feature just one debate, set to take place today, October 13th.
Hochul is currently leading the polls over Blakeman, with many expecting her to win the election once again, having earned endorsement from prominent New York figures, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Of course, fans will remember the war of words Mamdani and Dolan engaged in during the summer, when the New York Knicks were competing for, and eventually won, the 2026 NBA championship.
Dolan’s disdain for Mamdani and politicians like him is likely due to their hardline stances on taxes for the wealthy residents of New York City.
During the New York Knicks’ championship parade, both Dolan and Mamdani were in attendance, but neither acknowledged each other directly, with Dolan taking subtle jabs at him during his speaking engagement.
However, Dolan’s feelings about Mamdani are probably not driving his decision to host a fundraiser for Blakeman. The Knicks owner is a longtime and vocal Republican, and even invited US President Donald Trump to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
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