When the Knicks win, New York wins.
And we’re not just talking about the thousands of fans who take to the streets outside of Madison Square Garden after wins, we’re talking about the CITY.
The team’s historical playoff run, which includes its first Eastern Conference Final birth in 25 years, has brought in a staggering $195 million in economic activity to the city so far from home games.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball released a statement last week citing the incredible milestone.
He also foreshadowed at what the future could even look like, predicting that number could even potentially rise to $832 million in economic impact for the five boroughs if the team makes it to the NBA Finals.
“Whether its hotel rooms for the night, tickets to the game, merch for the home team, or drinks and food at bars across the city, these games will boost our businesses, uplift our city, and build on the record number of jobs our administration has already helped create,” said Mayor Adams.
“The Knicks have lifted our spirits and our economy, so I’ll be joining fans across the five boroughs, and the entire region, in shouting the same thing over and over as we take on the Pacers this week: ‘Let’s Go Knicks’…and spend money!”
As a fan there’s been plenty around the city to spend money on for the Knicks, including of course the game tickets (which have reached record highs), watch parties around the city, and Knicks-affiliated bars showing the game.
That’s not to mention hotels, restaurants, and other forms of city-wide entertainment that attracts folks from out of town visiting New York for the game and beyond.
Equally, the city’s been all-in on the team’s performance too, even going as far as naming some of NYC’s streets after the players.
The Knicks are set to play Game 5 tonight (May 29th) against the Indiana Pacers at 8 pm, who hold a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Let’s Go Knicks, let’s keep this streak going! 🏀