New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, John Bon Jovi among many celebrities at Madison Square Garden on the Knicks Ring Night

New Yorkers poured into the streets as their beloved New York Knicks finally ended their silverware drought, bringing home the NBA Championship. The city had starved for glory and had waited decades for this moment. So, when the buzzer went off in the fifth game of the NBA Championship Finals in San Antonio, and the scoreboard read 94-90, the mood changed around NYC. Just like that, the Knicks were Champions, and New York finally had its moment of glory.

The defending champions Knicks opened their 2026-27 season tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers, and after waiting for months, the players and fans finally got the opportunity to experience the moment they had been waiting for. The team unfurled the famous banner at Madison Square Garden, which read, “World Champions 2025-26”.

The moment was made truly special when players were also presented with their Championship rings before the tipoff. NBA Hall of Famer Walt Frazier did the honors before the banner came down.


ALSO READ: San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Disappointing Night For Spurs and Victor Wembanyama

Players were not alone to celebrate the truly special and momentous occasion. While fans filled the arena in large numbers, celebrities also made sure they made their presence felt inside MSG.

So which celebrities were present for the Knicks ring ceremony?

All the celebrities present inside Madison Square Garden for Knicks season opener

The biggest name among the host of celebs present inside the arena was rock star singer John Bon Jovi of the iconic band, Bon Jovi. The singer sat beside the NFL’s main man, Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Goodell regularly attends sporting events at Madison Square Garden because the league’s offices are headquartered in New York. Whether he is a fan of the Knicks or not is not publicly known, having spent most of his childhood in Washington. He sat alongside the Mets owner, Steve Cohen.

Among other high-profile names that were present at the Knicks ring night was actor Ben Stiller, who came with his wife, Christine Taylor. Iconic actor and filmmaker Spike Lee was also at MSG, and he certainly made an impression. He wore a bright orange- and- blue pinstriped suit to support the team and got into a war of words with LeBron James.


ALSO READ: North Korea one of the poorest countries in the world, but Kim Jong Un lives an ultra-luxurious lifestyle

Clad in an orange tracksuit, actor and comedian Tracy Morgan made his presence felt inside the iconic arena and even threw shade at LeBron’s son, Bronny James. Alongside him was “Law and Order SVU” star Mariska Hargitay.

Star of the famous series Sopranos and Nurse Jackie, Edie Falco also made an appearance alongside her Sopranos co-star Steve Schirripa. Other celebs included John Turturro, Action Bronson, Fat Joe, and Sam Morril.

Jordyn Woods, who recently took wedding vows with Karl-Anthony Towns, was also sitting courtside for the game, with a gold bag in honor of ring night.

The most notable absences include “Dune” star Timothée Chalamet, who had previously attended Knicks games alongside his girlfriend Kylie Jenner.

However, the Knicks couldn’t add to the joyous occasion. The Philadelphia 76ers spoiled the party, beating the defending champions 106-100 in their season opener. Still, the loss is unlikely to dampen the mood in New York. After waiting 53 years to celebrate an NBA championship, Knicks fans won’t let one defeat take away from a moment they had waited decades to witness.