The New York Knicks decide not to hang a championship banner for their recent NBA Cup win. Reports on 17 December state the organisation does not plan to install a new banner at Madison Square Garden.
The decision contrasts with how other recent NBA Cup winners treated their victories.
New York’s stance differs from the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, who both installed banners after winning the first two NBA Cup tournaments. Knicks leadership is said to view the in-season trophy as important, yet clearly secondary to the traditional NBA championship.
The Knicks secured the NBA’s in-season tournament on 16 December, beating the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in Las Vegas. The result delivered New York’s first trophy of any type since the Atlantic Division title in the 2012-13 season. Despite this, the franchise keeps public focus on chasing the main NBA crown.
New York plans a formal NBA Cup celebration on 19 December at Madison Square Garden before facing the Philadelphia 76ers. That fixture will be the team’s first home appearance since sealing the tournament. The Knicks intend to recognise players and staff on court, while leaving the rafters unchanged for now.
| Season | NBA Cup Champion | Banner Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Los Angeles Lakers | Banner raised |
| 2024-25 | Milwaukee Bucks | Banner raised |
| 2025-26 | New York Knicks | No banner planned |
The NBA Cup triumph arrives during a long wait for a full NBA championship. New York’s previous league title came in 1973, 53 years before this in-season success. The organisation’s message suggests the new trophy is welcomed, but the standard championship remains the clear target.
The Knicks will not raise an NBA Cup banner despite the Lakers and Bucks doing so the past two seasons New York is focused on a Championship Title (via @IanBegley) pic.twitter.com/R1LzeWbYLIBleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 17, 2025
The Knicks’ choice not to install an NBA Cup championship banner underlines how the club views the tournament. The in-season success is marked with an on-court ceremony, yet not with a permanent arena display. For supporters, attention now returns to the ongoing pursuit of another NBA title.
