At a sports bar opposite Victoria Station in London, a crowd of 600 fans stayed up until 5am watching a basketball team from New York win a title for the first time in 53 years. That scene captures something odd but real: the NBA's New York Knicks have a devoted following in the UK, and their 2026 championship meant as much to British fans as it did to those in Manhattan.
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on 13 June 2026, clinching the best-of-seven series 4-1. It was the franchise's first NBA championship since 1973, ending the longest title drought in the league at the time. The game was played in San Antonio, Texas, but celebrations erupted in New York and beyond. Prince Harry was among the famous faces in attendance, and celebrities including Taylor Swift, Ben Stiller, and Jennifer Lopez cheered from the stands or at home. The victory sparked wild street celebrations in New York, where gunshots and fires broke out, over 60 people were arrested, and five school buses were set on fire, according to the Metro.
“The New York Knicks won the NBA championship after a 53-year drought, explained for UK readers.”
The Knicks are one of the NBA's most iconic franchises, based in New York City. Their last championship came in 1973, when the team was led by stars like Walt Frazier and Willis Reed. Throughout the 1990s, the Knicks were perennial contenders but never won the title, coming closest in 1994 and 1999. For decades, the team was often mediocre or worse, earning a reputation for dysfunction. That made the 2026 title especially emotional for long-suffering fans.
For UK readers, the Knicks' win matters because it highlights the growing popularity of basketball in Britain. The NBA has invested heavily in the UK market, with regular-season games in London and a strong broadcast presence. As the New Statesman reports, British fans of the Knicks are particularly dedicated, waking at odd hours to watch games live. The fan base includes not just Americans living in London but native Britons who adopted the team, often through a connection to New York culture. The Knicks' championship run coincided with the 2026 FIFA World Cup being partly held in the US, including matches at the stadium renamed "New York-New Jersey Stadium". That brought unusual attention to the city and its teams.
Q: Who are the New York Knicks? The New York Knicks are a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA), based in New York City. They are one of the league's oldest and most valuable franchises, known for their passionate fan base and history of famous players.
Q: When did the Knicks last win an NBA championship before 2026? The Knicks' previous NBA championship was in 1973. That win came 53 years before the 2026 title, which ended the longest championship drought in franchise history.
Q: Why do British people support the New York Knicks? British fans often choose the Knicks because of New York's cultural influence—the team appears in songs, films, and TV shows. Many fans also have personal connections to the city. The NBA's marketing in the UK and the team's underdog story attract supporters who stay up late to watch games live.
What happens next? The Knicks will now enter the NBA offseason as defending champions. They will have a chance to repeat in the 2026-27 season, which tips off in October. The team's long-term outlook will depend on retaining key players and making roster moves through trades and the NBA draft.