The New York Police Department announced Sunday that there will be no watch party outside Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday, citing enhanced security measures tied to President Donald Trump’s attendance.

The decision was made in coordination with the U.S. Secret Service and came just over 24 hours before the New York Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs. The department confirmed the cancellation ends speculation about the large gatherings that had become popular during the Knicks’ playoff run.

According to the NYPD, the move applies only to Monday’s game, leaving open the possibility that outdoor celebrations could return for Game 4 on Wednesday. The Knicks could potentially win the title depending on the result of Game 3.

“There will be no watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden for Game 3 only,” the NYPD said in its statement. “This was done fully in coordination with the Secret Service because of the presidential visit. We expect watch parties at Madison Square Garden to resume for Game 4.”

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An MSG spokesperson released a separate statement explaining that the permit for the Plaza33 Game 3 watch party was denied by the city’s permitting office in consultation with the NYPD. The statement added, “However, the White House will confirm that this is not about the president. We understand NYPD Commissioner Tisch is planning additional street closures around Madison Square Garden.”

Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s New York field office, said he recognized that fans might be disappointed given the Knicks’ historic run. “At the same time, our responsibility is to ensure the highest level of public safety,” McCool said. “After careful coordination and assessment, the Secret Service and the NYPD jointly determined that outdoor watch parties could not be accommodated in the immediate vicinity of Madison Square Garden due to the security requirements associated with an event of this scale and the need to maintain a secure environment for protective operations.”

Crowd control had already been a concern for city officials. On Friday, more than two dozen people were arrested when postgame celebrations after the Knicks’ road win in San Antonio spilled into streets near Madison Square Garden. One woman was accused of punching a police officer in the face, according to the NYPD.

Before the Finals began, the city initially sought to cancel all outdoor watch parties around the arena because of unruly behavior at unofficial gatherings. That decision was later reversed, and a permit was approved for Game 1 on Wednesday.

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The Knicks’ website stated that team-sanctioned watch parties will continue elsewhere, including at Wollman Rink in Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl. Both venues required advance registration and had reached capacity as of Sunday afternoon.

The Knicks also issued an advisory urging fans attending Game 3 to arrive at least two hours early because of heightened security. The presence of President Trump prompted additional precautions within the area surrounding Madison Square Garden.

Trump has attended several high-profile sporting events during his second term. Those include the 2025 Super Bowl, the Daytona 500, and the Ryder Cup, according to the report.

The Knicks have not appeared in the NBA Finals since 1999, when they faced the Spurs. The franchise last captured the championship in 1973 after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers.

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