Knicks raise championship banner at home opener on Oct. 19, 2026

The New York Knicks raised their 2026 NBA championship banner at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 19, 2026, moments before the season‑opening tip‑off against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The pre‑game ceremony was the first time a championship banner has been hoisted in MSG in 53 years, commemorating the team’s first league title since the 1972‑73 season and signaling a new era for the franchise.

Star guard Jalen Brunson, who led the Knicks to the 2025‑26 Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs, smiled for the cameras and said, “It’s gonna be a great night.” LeBron James made a guest appearance, adding star power to an already momentous occasion.

Tickets for the opening night proved to be the most expensive regular‑season game in NBA history at the time of reporting. The lowest price found on StubHub was $1,063, including fees. Higher‑priced sections were listed at $1,203 for the 200 level, $1,830 for the 100 level, and $2,514 for lower‑level seats. Prices had dropped $86 from a week earlier, when the cheapest tickets were $1,149 on Vivid Seats.

For comparison, other Knicks home games this season were available for as low as $178, such as the Oct. 25 matchup against the Orlando Magic, highlighting the premium placed on the championship celebration.

The ceremony also included the distribution of championship rings to players and coaches, as well as a video retrospective of the team’s historic run to the title.

As the Knicks prepare for their first season as defending champions, the banner‑raising event set a celebratory tone and heightened expectations for the campaign that begins with the 76ers showdown at the world‑famous arena.