Summer in New York City took on a whole new meaning when the Knicks reached the 2026 NBA Finals.
After completing a four-game sweep of the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals on Monday night, the Knicks brought the NBA Finals back to Madison Square Garden for the first time since 1999.
The Knicks have nine days off before the series begins June 3, and will face either the San Antonio Spurs or the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Western Conference finals is tied at 2-2 heading into Tuesday’s Game 5.
The New York/New Jersey area is already going to be congested as one of the hosts of the World Cup starting on June 11, with MetLife Stadium hosting the World Cup final on July 19.
There could commuting chaos at New York Penn Station for fans on Tuesday, June 16 — when a potential Game 6 of the Finals could take place at The Garden on the same day France and Senegal will be playing a World Cup match at MetLife Stadium, which was temporarily renamed New York/New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.
If the NBA Finals reaches a Game 6, the Knicks will play host to their opponent at 8:30 p.m. ET on June 16.
The France-Senegal matchup is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
Despite being hours apart, fans returning from the World Cup match and fans heading to a potential Game 6 could be in for a nightmare commute.
New York Penn Station and NJ Transit have made major changes for commuters.
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, New York Penn Station will restrict access for New Jersey Transit commuters for four hours prior to kickoff in order to safely accommodate the high volume of match-day travel.
New Jersey-bound trains from Penn Station will prioritize those who have World Cup match tickets.
New Jersey Transit advised commuters not attending a match to avoid traveling on match days unless travel is essential.
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Knicks fans flooded 7th Avenue outside of Madison Square Garden after New York’s 130-93 Game 4 clincher in Cleveland.
NYPD had their hands full as some fans climbed street lights, brought brooms to the pavement, and stood on top of subway structures.
Imagine Knicks fans near New York Penn Station during the NBA Finals and the FIFA World Cup 2026.
