A Knicks Assist? Owner Jim Dolan Hosts GOP Fundraiser at MSG For Bruce Blakeman

Jim Dolan doesn’t want to discuss new contracts for key players who helped the New York Knicks win their first NBA Championship in 53 years. But the team owner is reportedly willing to use his players as props in a fundraiser for GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman.According to an invite designed like a Knicks event, Mr. Dolan is hosting the fundraiser for Mr. Blakeman before the Knicks preseason game against the Toronto Raptors Thursday at Madison Square Garden. The event is scheduled to begin at 6.30pm with the game set to tip-off at 7.30 pm.Tickets to attend the event start at $10,000 and increase to $25,000 for “friend” level and $50,000 for “patriot status,” according to the invite, which indicates the fundraiser for “New York’s Next Governor” is paid for by the Nassau County Republican Committee and Blakeman for New York.“James Dolan knows how to build businesses, create jobs, and win championships. I’m proud to have his support and his advice—and together, we’re ready to take on Kathy Hochul and deliver another win for all New Yorkers,” Mr. Blakeman said in a published statement.According to a recent Marist poll Mr. Blakeman, a Nassau County executive, trails Kathy Hochul, the Democratic incumbent, by 11 points. The two were set to square off in a primetime televised debate on Tuesday.Mr. Dolan is among the biggest Republican donors in New York for the 2026 midterm cycle, according to Politico. Mr. Dolan, his company and family members donated $1.4 million to committees for Mr. Blakeman as well as millions into super PACs supporting the Republican candidate, Politico reported.Last month, he reportedly funded a Super PAC that launched a $250,000 billboard campaign accusing Ms. Hochul of forcing residents to leave the Empire State.“You are Now Leaving NY (Like Everyone Else),” read one billboard positioned near state borders.The Strong and Safe New York PAC, also funded by Mr. Dolan, backs Republican attorney general candidate Saritha Komatireddy in her race against Democratic incumbent Letitia James.Mr. Dolan is a staunch supporter of President Trump, who has endorsed Mr. Blakeman. The two businessmen turned politicians were guests in Mr. Dolan’s suite during game three of the NBA Finals. Mr. Dolan has said he plans to bring his basketball team to the White House, which would be a first for an NBA champion during either Trump administration.Mr. Dolan political spending spree comes at a time when the Knicks have suspended talks on a contract extension for center Karl-Anthony Towns, who played a pivotal role in the Knicks winning their first championship since 1973. Josh Hart and Miles McBride are also eligible for extensions but have not secured new deals.Mr. Towns has continually expressed frustration over not receiving a new contract, telling reporters, “I just won a championship. You’d think it was pretty easy. Unless you guys think I have something else to prove.”The Knicks reportedly offered Mr. Towns a four-year deal worth about $200 million, which is $77 million less than a max contract and less than his current average of $57 million per season. Mr. Towns has until Oct. 19 to decline a player option worth $61 million next season, or he cannot sign a contract extension during the regular season.“I never thought it would get to this point,” Mr. Towns said.While Mr. Towns and his championship teammates wait for long-term clarity on their futures, they now find themselves serving as high-value draws for their owner’s political ambitions inside the arena they just made historic.

A Knicks Assist? Owner Jim Dolan Hosts GOP Fundraiser at MSG For Bruce Blakeman

A Knicks Assist? Owner Jim Dolan Hosts GOP Fundraiser at MSG For Bruce Blakeman

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